1936 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Fourth in the DDO catalog for the 1936 Philadelphia Mercury Dime, DDO-004 presents light spread on the date, designer's initials AW, and IN GOD WE TRUST on Adolph Weinman's obverse. Cross-referenced as 4-O-II-C in the CONECA system — variety 4, obverse, Class II distorted hub doubling with counterclockwise displacement — this variety shares its Class II counterclockwise mechanism with several other Mercury Dime DDOs but is distinguished by unique die markers UVC-239 and DMR-007. Class II doubling results from lateral displacement without rotation, producing uniform directional shift across all affected elements rather than the graduated intensity of pivoted varieties. The light intensity means spread requires careful examination, with the date numerals offering the most accessible pickup point due to their larger size, while the AW initials at Liberty's neck truncation demand higher magnification. Struck during the Great Depression at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 2.5 grams. Examine the date under 7x magnification first, then confirm light spread on AW and IN GOD WE TRUST to distinguish DDO-004 from other 1936 obverse varieties.

Die Markers

• UVC-239, DMR-007

Attribution History

• 4-O-II-C

External References