1938 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

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VerifiedDoubled Die Obverse

Attribution

Discovered by

Mike Dingeldein

Verified by

VarietyVista

Original Research

Learn more at varietyvista.com

Market Value

N/A

Rarity Index

N/A

Discovery Date

1938

Last Sold

N/A

Description

Cataloged with UVC-0191 and DMR-007, this 1938-D Jefferson Nickel exhibits a light spread on the letters WE TRUST and LIBERTY from hub doubling on the obverse. As the first year of the Jefferson Nickel series, the 1938-D holds special significance for variety collectors seeking doubled dies from the inaugural issue. Three die stages document the progression of this die pair through its operational life. Stage A, at early die state, shows a die gouge running through the lower portion of RTY extending to the star, along with a gouge in the hair detail. Stage B represents mid-die-state with standard wear characteristics. Stage C, at late die state, shows further deterioration. The Jefferson Nickel design by Felix Schlag replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938, and DDO-004's light doubling on the motto and LIBERTY represents one of the earliest doubled die varieties in a series that would continue for decades.

Die Markers

UVC-0191
DMR-007
Stage A:
Die gouge through lower RTY of LIBERTY to star – EDS
Die gouge in hair behind forehead
Reverse is EDS
Stage B:
Obverse and Reverse are MDS
Stage C:
LDS (unconfirmed)

External References

Additional Notes

Die Stages and Markers UVC-0191 DMR-007 Stage A: Die gouge through lower RTY of LIBERTY to star – EDS Die gouge in hair behind forehead Reverse is EDS Stage B: Obverse and Reverse are MDS Stage C: LDS (unconfirmed)

Last updated: October 28, 2026