1949 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Whaden Curtis attributed this Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on the 1949 Jefferson nickel, where close doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM increases slightly from left to right — the inverse gradient of the more common left-biased Class II pattern. This rightward intensification indicates that the hub warp or tilt concentrated its effect toward the right side of the die during impression, a subtlety that distinguishes WDDR-001 from other Class II varieties on the same date. The obverse die markers include a die gouge below Jefferson's chin and a slanted die gouge positioned in front of his eye, while the reverse carries a die scratch below the R of PLURIBUS and a die gouge above the left side of the M in MONTICELLO. Philadelphia's 1949 nickel mintage of approximately 60 million pieces represented a moderate production year, and WDDR-001 appears to be the primary doubled die reverse cataloged for the date, suggesting either limited die damage across the production run or fewer working dies showing attributable doubling. Felix Schlag's Monticello architecture, with its parallel columns and symmetrical facade, continues to provide the geometric reference points that make Class II directional spread measurable and confirmable under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1949 WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References