1943-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Second in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1943-D Mercury dime, WDDO-002 presents a close spread toward the center on the date with some extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST — Adolph A. Weinman's obverse design featuring Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, an image often mistakenly identified as the Roman god Mercury, which gave the series its popular nickname. The centerward spread direction indicates the secondary hub impression was positioned slightly inward from the primary, compressing the date and motto toward the coin's center rather than expanding these elements outward. The obverse die carries a specific marker: a die scratch running southwest from the tip of Liberty's nose, providing a secondary diagnostic independent of the doubling. The reverse offers an additional confirmation point: a nearly horizontal die scratch positioned below the N in UNITED on Weinman's fasces and olive branch reverse design. Denver struck approximately 71.9 million dimes in 1943, a wartime production year when the silver dime continued in its standard 90% silver, 10% copper composition despite the material substitutions affecting cents and nickels. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1943-D 10¢ WDDO-002, with no additional attribution system listings currently known. The close spread designation means the primary and secondary hub impressions nearly overlap, producing thickened date digits and motto letters rather than clearly separated doubled images. Mercury dimes (1916-1945) remain among the most popular collecting targets in United States numismatics, and die varieties on this series attract dedicated specialists. The die scratches on both obverse (nose) and reverse (below N in UNITED) provide a two-point confirmation system that enables collectors to verify the correct die with confidence before evaluating the subtle centerward doubling on the date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas McGowan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1943-D 10¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References