1942-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Class II distorted hub doubling creates visible spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and FIVE CENTS on this 1942-D Jefferson Nickel — a variety from the final months before Denver switched to the wartime 35% silver composition in mid-1942. Designated WDDR-005 by the Wexler Team, the Class II pattern indicates the hub rotated slightly during the second impression, pulling design elements toward the center of the die. Two diagnostic die markers aid attribution: on the obverse, a die gouge sits inside the G of GOD, while the reverse carries a long die scratch running south from the T of MONTICELLO. The 1942-D occupies a transitional moment in Jefferson Nickel history — standard copper-nickel composition coins were produced alongside the new silver alloy "war nickels" bearing the large mintmark above Monticello's dome. Felix Schlag's Monticello rendering, modified from his original competition-winning design by the Mint, shows Jefferson's Virginia plantation home in architectural detail that provides ample canvas for observing hub doubling displacement. Struck on standard 75% copper, 25% nickel at 21.2mm. Look for the Class II spread on the reverse inscriptions, and confirm with the die gouge in the G of GOD and the long scratch south from MONTICELLO's T.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge inside G of GOD.
• Reverse: Long die scratch south from T of MONTICELLO.

External References