1942 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Struck as a proof in the wartime silver alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, the 1942 WDDO-005 Jefferson nickel exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling with a very close spread toward the center on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from warping of the hub during the impression process, creating a spread pattern that converges rather than rotates. This die forms a documented die marriage with the reverse listed as 1942 5c WRPM-017, a repunched mint mark variety, meaning collectors who identify one side should examine the other for its companion variety. The obverse die markers are extensive: a series of circular die scratches appear on Jefferson's forehead extending into his hair, a short die scratch runs southwest from his eye, strike doubling appears on LIBERTY, the star, and the date, die scratches cross the top of the collar, and two die dots sit on the jawline above the collar. The circular die scratches on the forehead are particularly distinctive. As a wartime proof struck at Philadelphia during the large mint mark era, this coin documents a period when silver was redirected into five-cent pieces as nickel was reserved for wartime industry.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Series of circular die scratches on Jefferson's forehead and into his hair; short die scratch SW from his eye; strike doubling on LIBERTY, the star and the date; die scratches on top of collar; die dot (two) on jawline above collar.
• Reverse: Listed as 1942 5c WRPM-017.

External References