1945 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler as 1945-P WDDO-005 and cross-referenced as CONECA 4-O-II, this wartime silver Jefferson Nickel DDO exhibits Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling — a close spread toward the center visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from distortion on the hub itself rather than simple lateral or rotational shift, producing characteristic inward spread distinguishing it from Class I or Class III mechanisms. A die gouge inside the lower portion of B in PLURIBUS serves as a reliable die marker. What makes this variety especially notable is its pairing with a documented RPM: the reverse die is independently cataloged as 1945-P 5¢ WRPM-002, showing P/P West — a repunched large P displaced westward. This die marriage means coins from this obverse-reverse pair carry two varieties simultaneously, a DDO and an RPM, each from a separate die-preparation error. The 1945-P wartime nickel's 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese composition adds further dimension to an already compelling variety pairing.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA 4-O-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1945-P WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References