1973-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Premier doubled die obverse for the 1973 Denver Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-001 presents Class II spread visible on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and IN — four distinct obverse elements carrying the signature of hub distortion during die manufacture. Attributed by the Wexler Team, reverse die markers include scratches below MO of MONTICELLO and a slanted scratch above the left arch of the building's facade. Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) results from the working hub deforming under enormous hubbing pressure, causing design elements to shift radially rather than uniformly. The spread across LIBERTY, star, date, and IN provides multiple attribution points at widely separated positions on the die face. The 1973-D was struck at Denver on 75% copper and 25% nickel planchets at 21.2mm. Schlag's Jefferson portrait, winner of the 1938 public design competition that replaced the Buffalo Nickel, was in its thirty-sixth year of production. Examine LIBERTY, the star, date, and IN for Class II spread, then verify the scratches below MO and slanted scratch above the left arch for complete attribution.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratches below MO of MONTICELLO; slanted die scratch above left arch.

External References