1936 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Strong extra thickness on LIBERTY and the date characterizes this second documented doubled die obverse for the 1936 Buffalo Nickel, tracked by VarietyVista under die markers UVC-167 and DMR-005. The "strong extra thickness" classification indicates that the doubling is readily visible under moderate magnification, with the letters of LIBERTY and the date numerals displaying noticeably thickened strokes where the secondary hub impression overlaps the primary. Stage A shows both obverse and reverse in early die state (EDS), confirming that specimens exist from early in the die's production life when surfaces were fresh. Stages B (MDS) and C (LDS) remain unconfirmed. James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel design — featuring a composite Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse — was in its penultimate production period in 1936, with the series ending in 1938. The 1936 Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 119 million Buffalo Nickels, a robust mintage that reflects the economic recovery from the Depression's worst years. Fraser's design is renowned for its artistic merit but was also notoriously difficult to strike sharply and wore quickly in circulation. As DDO-002, this strong doubled die represents the second most significant obverse doubling documented for the 1936 date.

Die Markers

• UVC-167
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References