1941-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Primary doubled die reverse for the 1941-S Jefferson Nickel, WDDR-001 displays Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with close doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the strongest effect on UNITED STATES. The Class II mechanism — a tilted or pivoted hub during die manufacture — produces a fanning distortion that increases with distance from the pivot point, and the concentration of the strongest doubling on UNITED STATES (positioned at the top of the reverse) relative to E PLURIBUS UNUM (positioned above the dome) indicates the pivot axis was oriented such that the upper portion of the reverse experienced greater displacement. Die markers provide robust attribution diagnostics: the obverse shows a long die scratch below the L of LIBERTY, while the reverse exhibits a strong die gouge below ER of AMERICA and a series of die gouges at the base of the dome of Monticello. These die gouges at the dome base create a particularly distinctive reverse marker, as they appear in a design area that collectors frequently examine. The 1941-S Jefferson Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint in the year America entered World War II — nickel composition would change to the wartime silver alloy in 1942-1945. Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse, in use from 1938 through 2003, provided the architectural backdrop against which these doubling effects are measured. The DDR-001 designation as the primary doubled die reverse establishes this as the most significant or earliest-cataloged reverse doubling variety for the 1941-S date, and the combination of comprehensive die markers with visible Class II doubling makes it one of the more attributable early Jefferson Nickel varieties.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Long die scratch below L of LIBERTY.
• Reverse: Strong die gouge below ER of AMERICA; series of die gouges at base of dome.

External References