1916 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-260 and DMR-005, this 1916 Buffalo Nickel doubled die reverse holds the primary DDR catalog position for the inaugural year of James Earle Fraser's iconic design. The die has been documented across three stages of progressive deterioration. Stage A represents Mid Die State (unconfirmed), where the die surfaces show moderate wear but no significant cracking. Stage B advances to Early-to-Mid Die State on the reverse, with a notable die crack developing from the B of LIBERTY to the rim — transitioning the die to Late-to-Mid Die State. Stage C reaches Late Die State (unconfirmed). The progression of the die crack from LIBERTY to the rim provides a particularly valuable chronological marker for collectors, as the crack's development and extension can be tracked across specimens to establish their position within the die's production sequence. The Buffalo Nickel debuted in 1916 with Fraser's celebrated design featuring a composite portrait of Native American chiefs Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree on the obverse, paired with an American bison — reportedly modeled on Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo — on the reverse. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, the 1916 Philadelphia issue was the first year of production, and DDR-001's primary catalog position indicates this is the most significant or earliest-documented doubled die reverse for this historically important date. The first-year status combined with the DDR-001 primary designation makes this variety a priority target for Buffalo Nickel variety specialists.

Die Markers

• UVC-260
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is EMDS
• Die crack from B of LIBERTY to rim – LMDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lewis Fletcher
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References