1943 (S) Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Attributed by Brian Ribar and cataloged in the Wexler Files as 1943-S WDDO-012, this wartime Jefferson Nickel presents a Class II Distorted Hub Doubling variety with tripling visible on IN GOD WE TRUST and a closer spread on LIBERTY, the star, and the date. Tripling — three distinct hub impressions layered on the die face — indicates this die received at least three separate contacts during the hubbing process, each at a slightly different position, creating a complex layered doubling effect on the motto and surrounding design elements. Obverse die markers include die scratches on Jefferson's collar and shoulder, along with light die cracks in Jefferson's hair. The reverse presents an exceptionally rich set of diagnostic features: a die crack through the small right semicircular window of Monticello, a die crack extending from the steps to the C of CENT and continuing to the last S of STATES before reaching the rim, a die scratch through the lower left edge of the F in FIVE, and an unlisted S/S Tilted repunched mintmark — making this another dual-variety die combining a doubled die obverse with a previously undocumented repunched mintmark on the reverse. The 1943-S Jefferson Nickel was struck in the wartime silver alloy composition of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter and bearing the large P, D, or S mintmark above the Monticello dome to distinguish wartime issues from standard composition. This wartime alloy was adopted because nickel was a critical war material needed for armor plating, and the silver allocation came from Treasury reserves. Brian Ribar's attribution of this variety reflects the careful die study work performed by specialists in the Jefferson Nickel series.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1943-S WDDO-012

External References