1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Dating from the inaugural year of Felix Schlag's Jefferson Nickel, this 1938-D DDR-002 displays medium spread doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and AMERICA on the reverse. Cataloged by VarietyVista with codes UVC-603 and DMR-005, the variety carries significance as a first-year doubled die from the very first production run of a new design. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at Denver, the 1938-D is one of three debut-year mint variants. Die progression spans three stages: Stage A (EDS, unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die state with a die scratch southwest from the first O of MONTICELLO and a die scratch north from the left base of the obverse, and Stage C (LDS). The Monticello scratch in Stage B provides a useful marker, appearing on the architectural detail of Jefferson's Virginia home that became the enduring reverse motif. A doubled die reverse from the first year of any major series holds inherent collector appeal, making DDR-002 noteworthy beyond its doubling strength.

Die Markers

• UVC-603
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die scratch Southwest from first O of MONTICELLO – MDS
• Die scratch North from Left base
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References