1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, the 1942 San Francisco Mint Jefferson Nickel WDDO-003 shows very close Class II doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from a subtle distortion of the hub itself during the die production process rather than a rotational shift between hub impressions, producing a tightly spaced doubling that can be challenging to detect without proper magnification. Obverse die markers provide essential attribution diagnostics: a die crack runs from the rim at approximately the 6 o'clock position through the base of Jefferson's bust up to his ear, accompanied by a series of die cracks through the hair — extensive structural deterioration that suggests this die saw substantial service before retirement. A significant variety intersection is documented through the reverse listing as 1942-S 5c WDDR-001, indicating this same die pair also carries a doubled die reverse attribution, creating a dual DDO/DDR variety that commands heightened collector interest. The 1942-S Jefferson Nickel was struck in the standard wartime silver alloy (56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese) beginning mid-year when the composition change took effect, meaning WDDO-003 may exist on either standard copper-nickel or wartime silver planchets depending on when in the production run this die pair was in service. If the die pair was used exclusively during wartime alloy production, specimens would carry the distinctive large S mint mark above Monticello that identifies wartime silver nickels. The combination of Class II hub doubling, extensive obverse die cracking, and the WDDR-001 reverse pairing creates a multi-attribute variety with rich diagnostic content for the serious Jefferson Nickel specialist.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die crack from rim at about 6 o'clock through base of Jefferson's bust to his ear; series of die cracks in his hair.
• Reverse: The reverse is listed as 1942-S 5c WDDR-001.

External References