1913 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

Tracked by VarietyVista with identifiers UVC-243 and DMR-009, this 1913 Philadelphia Mint Buffalo Nickel Type 2 doubled die reverse displays extra thickness on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and FIVE CENTS. The reverse die variety is RDV-002, featuring the bison standing on flat ground. Three die stages chart a dramatic deterioration arc: Stage A is early die state, unconfirmed. Stage B reaches mid die state with an extensive network of five die cracks: one through TED of UNITED, another through the front of the bison's head, a third from the P of PLURIBUS to the rim between AM of AMERICA, a fourth from the tail to the rim at the K-3 position, and a fifth from the Indian's head to the rim at K-9. Stage C represents late die state, unconfirmed. The concentration of five separate die cracks in Stage B suggests this reverse die experienced severe stress during its mid-life service, with cracks radiating outward from both design elements and inscription toward the rim in multiple directions. For Type 2 Buffalo Nickel variety specialists, DDR-003 offers a compelling study in both hub doubling and progressive die failure.

Die Markers

• UVC-243
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die Crack through TED of UNITED – MDS
• Die crack through front of head
• Die crack from P of PLURIBUS to rim between AM of AMERICA
• Die crack from tail to rim at K-3
• Die crack from Indian's head to rim at K-9 – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Fivaz
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References