1942 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-006

Description

Although its parent listing falls under the wartime silver alloy designation, DDO-006 on the 1942 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel was actually struck on a standard copper-nickel planchet (75% copper, 25% nickel) — the comments field confirms "Cupro-nickel," placing this variety among the early 1942 production runs before the Mint transitioned to the 35% silver wartime alloy later that year. Light spread is visible on LIBERTY, the five-pointed star to the left of the date, and the date itself — the three primary obverse pickup points on Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait. Die markers UVC-699 and DMR-049 fingerprint this working die, enabling positive attribution even when the light doubling proves difficult to isolate from strike characteristics. The 1942 Philadelphia nickel occupies a unique transitional position: both copper-nickel and silver compositions were produced during this single calendar year, and DDO-006's copper-nickel composition confirms it was struck from dies used before the wartime changeover. Collectors should note the standard-weight feel (5.0 grams) and absence of the large mintmark above the dome that distinguishes wartime issues.

Die Markers

• UVC-699; DMR-049

External References