1948-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Combining Class II distorted and Class VI distended hub doubling, WDDO-001 for the 1948-D Jefferson Nickel produces very close doubling manifesting as extra thickness with slight separation on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling involves a rotational shift of the hub between impressions, while Class VI distortion results from dimensional changes in the hub or die during manufacture — the co-occurrence of both mechanisms on a single die is relatively unusual and adds to this variety's attribution complexity. Detailed die markers on both sides support positive identification: the obverse shows a die dot to the left of Y in LIBERTY and another die dot below the first T of TRUST. The reverse carries a die gouge below the second A of AMERICA and a diagonal die scratch extending from the top of the D mintmark. Denver struck approximately 89 million nickels in 1948, the tenth production year of Felix Schlag's Jefferson design. As WDDO-001 — the primary doubled die obverse for this date and mint — this variety holds particular significance for Jefferson Nickel specialists who prioritize acquiring the first-cataloged DDO for each date. The dual-class hub doubling mechanism makes microscopic examination particularly rewarding, as both rotational and dimensional effects can be traced across the affected lettering.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die dot to left of Y of LIBERTY; die dot below first T of TRUST.
• Reverse: Die gouge below second A of AMERICA; diagonal die scratch from top of "D" mintmark.

External References