1943-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Discovered by John Bordner and cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-I, this 1943-S Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse is cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1943-S WDDO-009, carrying dual-system attribution that validates its recognition across the major variety cataloging frameworks. The CONECA classification 1-O-I indicates a Class I (Rotated Hub Doubling) mechanism — the most common and typically most visually dramatic form of hub doubling, where the working hub is slightly rotated relative to the working die between impressions, creating clockwise or counterclockwise offset that varies in magnitude across the die face. The 1943-S Jefferson Nickel holds extraordinary historical significance as a wartime silver alloy issue: from mid-1942 through 1945, the Mint struck nickels in a special composition of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel metal for wartime armament production. These silver-alloy "war nickels" carry a distinctive large mintmark above Monticello's dome on the reverse — the P, D, or S placement that differs from the standard small mintmark location used before and after the war. The coin weighs 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter and plain edge. John Bordner's discovery of this ninth documented doubled die obverse for the 1943-S date demonstrates the active examination these collectible wartime issues receive from variety specialists. The Class I rotated hub doubling identified by CONECA should be checked under magnification across the obverse inscriptions and portrait details, where the rotational displacement produces its characteristic variable-intensity spread pattern.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Bordner
• CONECA 1-O-I; Wexler Variety ID: 1943-S WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by John Bordner

External References