1946-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Classified as Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling), this first-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1946-D Jefferson Nickel shows close distortion-style doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, the motto positioned along the left obverse rim of Felix Schlag's portrait design. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-II, the designation confirms independent attribution through the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America. Die markers provide critical diagnostics for authentication: on the obverse, a die gouge runs through TRU of TRUST with a die scratch through the L of LIBERTY, while the reverse shows a die gouge between the R and I of AMERICA and a die dot between the E and P of E PLURIBUS UNUM. The 1946-D nickel represents the first post-war Denver Mint production of the Jefferson series, resuming the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel composition after three years of wartime silver-alloy nickels (1942-1945) that bore the distinctive large P, D, or S mintmark above Monticello's dome. Denver struck approximately 45.3 million nickels in 1946, reestablishing normal production rhythms after the wartime emergency alloy period. As the primary DDO for this date and mint combination, WDDO-001 holds particular significance for collectors building variety sets organized by date and mintmark across the Jefferson series.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge through TRU of TRUST; die scratch through L of LIBERTY.
• Reverse: Die gouge between R and I of AMERICA; die dot between E and P of E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Attribution History

• CONECA 1-O-II

External References