1945 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Attributed by Whaden Curtis and cataloged as 1945-P WDDO-008 in the Wexler Doubled Die Files, this Jefferson Nickel displays a combination of Class II and Class V hub doubling — Distorted and Pivoted Hub Doubling — with a clockwise spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. The dual-class designation indicates that two distinct hubbing anomalies acted simultaneously: the Class II distortion component produced a spread pattern from die surface irregularities, while the Class V clockwise pivot added a rotational displacement, together creating a complex doubling geometry that varies in direction and intensity across different areas of the obverse. Obverse die markers include a short slanted die scratch inside the upper portion of the B in LIBERTY and a light die scratch from the E in WE to the first T in TRUST — two features that trace a path across the motto area and provide positioning landmarks for attribution. Reverse die markers are more prominent: a long, strong die scratch from the M in UNUM to the upper right edge of the Monticello building, and a short slanted die gouge to the left of the N in MONTICELLO. The 1945 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel holds particular significance as a wartime issue — from 1942 through 1945, nickels were struck in a special 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese alloy to conserve nickel for wartime industrial needs. These wartime silver nickels are distinguished by a large mintmark above the Monticello dome (P for Philadelphia, the first time the P mintmark appeared on any U.S. coin). The coin weighs 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. Felix Schlag designed the original Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse. Whaden Curtis's attribution documents a doubled die on a wartime composition coin, connecting variety collecting with the broader historical context of World War II-era Mint operations.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1945-P WDDO-008
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References