1943 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Attributed by Tony Russo, this 1943 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel carries a Class II distorted hub doubled die obverse cataloged as WDDO-011. Struck in the wartime silver alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese that replaced standard copper-nickel from 1942 through 1945 to conserve nickel for the war effort, this coin displays a Class II spread on IN GOD WE TRUST that increases in magnitude from left to right across the motto. Obverse die markers include a north-south die scratch in the field to the left of Jefferson's nose. On the reverse, a series of die gouges appears above the right long window of Monticello, and a short die gouge sits between the lower portions of PL in PLURIBUS. The progressive increase in spread strength across the motto is characteristic of Class II distorted hub doubling, where the working hub was slightly deformed during the impression process. Wartime silver nickels are identified by the large mint mark placed above Monticello's dome, and the combination of precious metal content with a documented die variety enhances the appeal of this issue.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tony Russo
• Wexler Variety ID: 1943-P WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Tony Russo

External References