1945 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, WDDO-008 combines Class II (distorted hub) and Class V (pivoted hub) doubling mechanisms on the 1945-D Jefferson Nickel — an unusual pairing that creates a distinctive doubling signature across IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date. Felix Schlag's left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, selected through a 1938 design competition, provides ample legend and detail work where these two doubling classes manifest simultaneously. A slanted die crack at the top of Jefferson's head with an accompanying die chip marks the obverse, while the reverse carries a die crack running from the N of CENTS through the second S of STATES to the rim. The 1945-D date was produced at Denver during the final months of World War II, when Jefferson Nickels had returned to their standard 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy after the wartime silver composition used from mid-1942 through 1945 on coins bearing the large P, D, or S mintmark above Monticello. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1945-D WDDO-008, collectors should examine the motto and date area under magnification to observe how the distorted and pivoted doubling classes interact to produce the combined spread pattern.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1945-D WDDO-008

External References