1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-600 and DMR-002, the 1938-D Jefferson Nickel DDO-001 holds the primary doubled die obverse catalog position for the Denver Mint issue of the design's inaugural year, displaying strong spread on the date, star, and LIBERTY. Three die stages are identified: Stage A shows a die scratch through the lower IBE and on the R of LIBERTY in early die state with the reverse also in EDS, Stage B places both obverse and reverse in early-to-mid die state, and Stage C is late die state (unconfirmed). The die scratch through the lower portion of IBE and the R of LIBERTY in Stage A provides a precise die identification marker that is independent of the doubling itself, allowing attribution even on worn specimens where the spread may be less distinct. The strong classification indicates the doubling on date, star, and LIBERTY is visible without significant magnification, making this one of the more dramatic varieties from the Jefferson Nickel's first year of production. The 1938-D was struck at the Denver Mint with a mintage of 5,376,000 nickels — the lowest regular-issue mintage in the entire Jefferson Nickel series — making it a key date that commands significant premiums even without variety attribution. In 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams and 21.2 mm diameter, the 1938-D DDO-001 combines key-date status with strong visible doubling, a conjunction that significantly enhances market value. Felix Schlag's design won a public competition to replace the Buffalo Nickel.

Die Markers

• UVC-600
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Die scratch through lower IBE and on R of LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are EMDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References