1947 Variety WDMO-001

Description

Cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1947 DMO WDMO-001-P-D-S, this master die doubling obverse on a 1947 Jefferson Nickel represents a Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) variety where a spread toward the center is visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. Unlike ordinary doubled dies that affect a single working die, master die doubling originates earlier in the die-making chain — during the creation of the master die from which all working hubs and subsequently all working dies for a given design are derived. Because the doubling exists on the master die itself, every working die produced from it carries the same doubling characteristic, which is why this variety is designated P-D-S: it can theoretically appear on coins from all three mint facilities that struck Jefferson Nickels in 1947. Die markers for both obverse and reverse are noted as varying among different working dies, which is consistent with the master die origin — individual working dies contribute their own unique marks while sharing the common master die doubling. The Jefferson Nickel, designed by Felix Schlag and first produced in 1938, features the Monticello reverse that would remain in use until the Westward Journey redesign of 2004-2005. The Class II distorted hub doubling mechanism involves a slight warping or tilting of the hub during impression, producing doubling that typically diminishes from one area of the die to another rather than showing uniform displacement. The centripetal spread on IN GOD WE TRUST represents this characteristic graduated doubling pattern where design elements shift inward.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1947 DMO WDMO-001-P-D-S
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References