1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-012

Description

Attributed by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-592 and DMR-014, the 1938 DDO-012 is a doubled die obverse on the inaugural year of the Jefferson Nickel series (Original Design 1938-2003). This variety displays light spread on LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date — three elements spanning different zones of Felix Schlag's obverse design. The star and LIBERTY occupy the left side of the obverse, while the date sits at the bottom, indicating the hub displacement produced visible effects across a broad arc of the die face. Three die stages trace this working die's service life: Stage A shows early die state with a light horizontal die gouge through the lower L of LIBERTY and the reverse in EDS; Stage B is mid-die state (unconfirmed); Stage C is late die state (unconfirmed). The horizontal die gouge through the lower L of LIBERTY in Stage A provides a particularly convenient diagnostic because it sits directly on one of the doubled design elements, offering dual attribution value — both confirming the die identity and directing attention to the area where the light spread should be observed. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag, who won a public competition in 1938 for the new design that replaced the Buffalo Nickel. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. As the first year of issue, 1938 Jefferson Nickels carry special interest for series collectors, and any variety on this inaugural date adds numismatic significance. The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 19.5 million nickels in 1938, a relatively modest quantity that makes varieties from this year somewhat scarcer in absolute terms than those from later, higher-mintage dates.

Die Markers

• UVC-592
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• Light horizontal die gouge through lower L of LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by ICG
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References