1973 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 1973 Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II Distorted Hub doubling on the obverse. Class II doubling occurs when the hub is distorted or warped, producing a spread that differs from the more common pivoted or rotational doubling seen in other classes. Distorted Hub varieties create a distinctive pattern where the doubling appears to radiate outward or compress inward depending on the nature of the hub distortion, rather than following the uniform directional spread characteristic of Class I through Class V mechanisms. Discovered by Whaden Curtis, WDDO-002 represents the second cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1973-D nickel. The 1973-D was struck during an era of high-volume production at Denver, where hundreds of millions of nickels were produced annually in the standard copper-nickel composition adopted in 1938. The Class II Distorted Hub mechanism is less frequently encountered than rotational or pivot varieties, making it of particular interest to collectors who pursue examples of each doubling class. Proper identification requires understanding the radial nature of the spread pattern. Class II, Distorted Hub DoublingA close constant spread toward the center shows on LIBERTY, the star, and the date with extra thickness on the designer's initials. Die Markers: Obverse: Series of die scratches between back of Jefferson's collar and queue; light die scratch near rim under front tip of collar. Reverse: Series of strong diagonal die scratches from left base of building through UN of UNITED.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1973-D WDDO-002

External References