1947-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

First doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1947-S Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-001 presents Class II (Distorted Hub) tripling on IN GOD WE TRUST — an unusual manifestation where three distinct impressions of the motto are visible rather than the more common two. Tripling requires a minimum of two misaligned hubbing impressions in addition to the final correctly positioned impression, meaning the die received at least three total hubbing applications with at least two being offset, creating a layered effect that is particularly striking under magnification. Die markers include a series of slanted die scratches below the date and a long die scratch along the front edge of Jefferson's nose on the obverse, while the reverse displays die scratches in and above the right arch of Monticello and two strong die scratches above the right porch. The 1947-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 13,560,000 coins, a relatively modest figure that makes varieties from this date somewhat scarcer than those from higher-mintage Philadelphia issues. As WDDO-001, this is the primary doubled die obverse for the date and the first variety that specialists seeking 1947-S doubled dies will pursue. The tripling characteristic elevates its significance above standard doubled die varieties because tripled impressions are statistically less common — each additional hubbing impression increases the probability that the misalignment would be detected and corrected by Mint quality control personnel. The combination of tripling on a relatively low-mintage San Francisco issue makes this variety particularly desirable among Jefferson Nickel DDO specialists. Die markers documented by the Wexler Team.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Series of slanted die scratches below date; long die scratch along front edge of Jefferson's nose.
• Reverse: Die scratches in and above right arch; two strong die scratches above right porch.

External References