Is this nut on backwards?

The castellated part of that nut (2 end nuts) goes inside the special brass washer. And I do not believe they are standard hardware to be found at Ace, Tru-Value, whatever. Here is the real poop on the whole slanty manifold(s) fasteners deal: Slant 6 Exhaust Manifold Washers

This is what I was eluding to without starting a debate.

Brian