1942 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third in the Wexler doubled die obverse sequence for the 1942 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel, this variety exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with a very close spread toward the center visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. The 1942 Philadelphia issue is notable because it spans the transition year when Jefferson Nickels shifted from standard copper-nickel to the wartime silver alloy composition, and this particular proof variety carries the additional distinction of being listed as the die pair for 1942 Pr 5c WDDR-001 on its reverse, meaning the same die pair produced both obverse and reverse doubled die varieties simultaneously. Diagnostic die markers for the obverse include a diagonal die gouge inside the lower portion of the N in IN, a short die gouge extending south from the left corner of the numeral 4 in the date, and die scratches running through the digits 19 of the date, with the coin classified as Type II. Class II doubling results from hub distortion where the hub pivoted or tilted during one of the multiple impressions required to fully sink the design into the working die, producing spread that converges toward a central pivot rather than shifting uniformly across the design. The convergence of obverse and reverse doubled dies on a single die pair makes this a particularly desirable variety for Jefferson Nickel specialists, as collectors can identify both WDDO-003 and WDDR-001 on the same coin.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Diagonal die gouge inside lower portion of N of IN; short die gouge south from left corner of numeral 4 of date; die scratches through 19 of date.  Type II.
• Reverse: Listed as 1942 Pr 5c WDDR-001.

External References