1946-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1946-D 10¢ WDDO-003, this inaugural-year Roosevelt Dime from the Denver Mint displays a strong spread on the date, documented in a very late die state. This variety was previously listed as WDDO-016 but was reassigned to WDDO-003 after the discovery that a doubled obverse working hub had created gaps in the original numbering sequence — the hub-level doubling meant that some varieties originally attributed to individual working dies were actually products of the hub itself, necessitating a comprehensive renumbering of the entire 1946-D doubled die obverse catalog. The obverse die markers include a Type I die state designation along with very late die state characteristics, and no significant reverse die markers have been noted. The very late die state classification indicates this die saw extensive production use, developing the surface deterioration, flow lines, and loss of fine detail that characterize heavily used dies — features that can sometimes obscure or alter the appearance of hub doubling. An earlier die state specimen would likely reveal additional doubling on John R. Sinnock's designer initials JS and IN GOD WE TRUST, features the Wexler Team expects to find once a better-preserved example becomes available. The strong intensity on the date, however, remains visible even in this advanced die state, confirming the hub displacement was substantial enough to survive the die's progressive deterioration. The 1946 Roosevelt Dime holds landmark numismatic significance as the first year of the series, replacing Adolph Weinman's Mercury Dime design after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in 1945. Struck in 90% silver at 2.5 grams, the 1946-D's strong date spread is best confirmed under 5x to 7x magnification despite the very late die state deterioration.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known Comments: This variety was previously listed as WDDO-016 but was reassigned after the discovery of the doubled obverse working hub left large “holes” in the listings. An earlier die state specimen is likely to show doubling to the designer’s initials and IGWT.
• None known Comments: This variety was previously listed as WDDO-016 but was reassigned after the discovery of the doubled obverse working hub left large “holes” in the listings. An earlier die state specimen is likely to show doubling to the designer’s initials and IGWT.; Wexler Variety ID: 1946-D 10¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References