1949-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Exhibiting Class I Rotated Hub Doubling, this 1949-S Jefferson Nickel shows doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date — a wide distribution of affected elements consistent with the rotational displacement characteristic of Class I doubling, where the hub was slightly rotated between impressions during die manufacture. This is a dual variety, with the reverse also cataloged as WDDR-003. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1949-S WDDO-001, the variety carries several distinctive die markers on the obverse: a die dot to the left of Jefferson's eye, die scratches through IN, a die gouge on the back of Jefferson's head, and two die gouges below the front of his collar. These multiple markers make the obverse die readily identifiable even before examining the doubling itself. The San Francisco Mint's 1949 Jefferson Nickel production was relatively modest compared to Philadelphia output, giving S-mint varieties from this era an added scarcity factor that enhances collector interest beyond the die variety characteristics alone.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1949-S WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References