1946-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Eighth cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1946-S Jefferson Nickel, this variety exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling showing very close doubling on IN GOD. Distorted hub doubling occurs when the working hub deforms slightly between successive impressions during die manufacture, producing extra thickness on affected lettering rather than the clean separation characteristic of rotational or offset classes. Die markers on the obverse include long die scratches on Jefferson's nose and strong die scratches in the field behind his head, while the reverse shows strong die scratches in the right arch and die scratches inside the small right window of Monticello. The 1946-S represents the first year San Francisco struck Jefferson Nickels following World War II, when the facility resumed nickel production after the wartime silver alloy period (1942-1945) that temporarily relocated mintmarks to above Monticello's dome. Standard post-war composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The return to normal composition and mintmark positioning in 1946 marks a transitional moment in the series, with San Francisco reestablishing production patterns that would continue through its Jefferson Nickel coinage.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Long die scratches on Jefferson's nose; strong die scratches in field behind his head.
• Reverse: Strong die scratches in right arch; die scratches inside small right window.

External References