1935 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-801 (Fivaz-Stanton), this first cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1935 Buffalo Nickel displays strong spread in the northwest direction across FIVE CENTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and most of the buffalo on the reverse. VarietyVista assigned die markers UVC-137 and DMR-002, with three documented die stages: Stage A in EDS (unconfirmed), Stage B showing the reverse in Mid Die State with a light die clash under the buffalo's chin, and Stage C in LDS (unconfirmed). The FS-801 cross-reference in the Cherry Pickers' Guide confirms this as a nationally recognized variety significant enough for inclusion in that standard reference. Strong northwest spread affecting nearly the entire reverse design indicates a substantial hub misalignment during die manufacture, making this one of the more dramatic doubled die reverses in the Buffalo Nickel series. James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel design, produced from 1913 through 1938, features the American bison in high relief on the reverse — sculptural detail that makes hub doubling particularly visible on the animal's contours, lettering, and denomination. The 1935 date falls in the Depression Era when mintages fluctuated and dies were often used to their maximum lifespan, and the die clash in Stage B shows this reverse die also experienced contact with the obverse die during a striking malfunction.

Die Markers

• UVC-137
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Light die clash under chin – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by George Winters
• FS-801
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References