1941-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1941-S WDDR-005, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Class II doubling results from a slight tilt or rocking of the hub relative to the die during the hubbing process, producing a characteristic pattern where the spread increases directionally across the affected inscriptions. On this variety, both spreads increase from left to right, meaning the doubling becomes progressively more visible as one reads each inscription from its beginning to its end — the leftmost letters show minimal offset while the rightmost letters display the strongest separation. Obverse die markers include heavy die scratches below BER of LIBERTY, while the reverse presents multiple diagnostic points: a die dot above NI of UNITED, a die gouge above the small left window of Monticello, and a die gouge above the center door of the building. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel, which was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. The San Francisco Mint produced this 1941-S issue during the final year before wartime alloy changes would alter nickel composition in 1942. The increasing left-to-right spread pattern on both motto and legend provides a built-in authentication gradient — examination should trace the doubling strength across each inscription to verify the progressive intensification characteristic of this die's specific Class II distortion signature.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1941-S WDDR-005
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References