1937-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die marker codes UVC-211 and DMR-005, the second doubled die obverse for the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel exhibits light extra thickness on LIBERTY. What makes this variety particularly interesting is its reverse die pairing: the reverse is documented as being listed as RPM-004, meaning the same die pair that produced this DDO also carries a repunched mintmark variety, giving collectors a dual-variety specimen from a single coin. Four die stages chronicle the progressive deterioration of the repunched mintmark visibility: Stage A shows the obverse in Early Die State with a strong secondary mintmark on the reverse, accompanied by die scratches in the C of CENTS. Stage B advances to Mid Die State with a medium secondary mintmark. Stage C reaches Late-Mid Die State with a light secondary mintmark. Stage D represents Late Die State with a very light secondary mintmark — demonstrating how die wear progressively obscured the repunched mintmark through the die's service life. James Earle Fraser designed the Buffalo Nickel with a composite Native American portrait on the obverse and a standing bison on the reverse. The 1937-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in copper-nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni) at 5.0 grams and 21.2 mm, during the penultimate year of the series before the Jefferson Nickel replacement in 1938. The four-stage mintmark attenuation provides a uniquely detailed die life chronology.

Die Markers

• UVC-211
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Reverse is LISTED as RPM-004 – EDS
• Strong secondary mintmark
• Die scratches in C of CENTS
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Medium secondary mintmark – MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse is LMDS
• Light secondary mintmark – LMDS
• Stage D:
• Obverse is LDS
• Very light secondary mintmark – LDS

Attribution History

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

External References