1931-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Listed in the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypickers' Guide as FS-101 and cross-referenced under CONECA designation 1-O-II-C, DDO-001 on the 1931-S Mercury Dime is among the most recognized and widely published doubled die varieties in the Winged Liberty Head series. Die markers UVC-052 and DMR-002 confirm this working die. The CONECA code 1-O-II-C decodes as variety number 1, Obverse, Class II (distorted hub doubling), range C — indicating the doubling resulted from a hub that became distorted through heat treatment or service rather than from a simple offset between hub and die. Class II distorted hub doubling produces a characteristic pattern where design elements may appear stretched, compressed, or warped rather than cleanly doubled, though on DDO-001 the visible manifestation presents as light spread concentrated on the date. The FS-101 Cherrypickers' Guide listing elevates this variety's profile significantly: FS-101 numbers are reserved for the most collectible and sought-after varieties within each date-mint, ensuring this DDO appears in the standard reference guides that general collectors and dealers consult. The 1931-S is itself a key date Mercury Dime with one of the lowest mintages in the series (1,800,000 pieces), meaning any confirmed variety on this date commands heightened attention. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head ("Mercury") Dime was struck in 90% silver at 2.5 grams, with the AW monogram on the obverse. As DDO-001 with FS-101 recognition, this variety represents the most significant obverse hub doubling documented for a key date in the series. The light spread on the date is best confirmed under 7x to 10x magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-052, DMR-002

Attribution History

• 1-O-II-C

External References