1943-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Struck in the wartime silver alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, WDDR-003 of the 1943-S Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling with a close spread on UNITED and E PLURIBUS UNUM, and notably shows close tripling on UNUM where three hub impressions produced two layers of secondary imaging. The die pairs with WDDO-008 on the obverse, meaning both sides carry hub doubling — a relatively uncommon occurrence. Diagnostic markers are plentiful: die gouges appear under CA of AMERICA, a die dot sits right of the E of FIVE, and a die crack runs along the left base line. The variety may also exhibit a possible S over S repunched mintmark, adding yet another layer of die-making history. The large S above Monticello on wartime nickels identifies the silver-alloy composition and provides a focal point for examining potential repunching alongside the confirmed tripling and paired obverse doubling. This convergence of tripling, paired DDO, possible RPM, and multiple die markers on a single wartime silver nickel makes WDDR-003 one of the more complex varieties cataloged for the series.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Listed as 1943-S 5c WDDO-008.
• Reverse: Die gouges under CA of AMERICA; die dot to right of upper portion of E of FIVE; die crack on left base line.  Possible S/S.

External References