1944 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

On the 1944 Mercury Dime WDDO-003, a close spread toward the center is visible on the date digits, providing the primary doubled die diagnostic. The obverse carries a wealth of die markers: a die gouge to the left of the B in LIBERTY, a small die gouge to the left of the lower lip, three die gouges between the lower back of the head and the Y in LIBERTY, and numerous die scratches scattered throughout the obverse field. The reverse contributes its own identifying marker—a die gouge to the left of the lower E in STATES. This concentration of obverse die gouges and scratches, unusual for a single die, provides multiple secondary diagnostics that help confirm attribution even on circulated specimens where the doubling itself may be less pronounced. The close centripetal spread on the date, while subtle, rewards careful examination under magnification and makes this a sought-after variety among Mercury Dime doubled die specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas McGowan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1944 10¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References