1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Appearing on the Reverse of 1940 variety of the 1939 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel, DDO-003 is tracked with VarietyVista codes UVC-611 and DMR-007. The 1939 Jefferson Nickel is significant because it marks the year of a reverse design change — the Reverse of 1940 type features subtle modifications to Monticello's architectural details that distinguish it from the original 1938 reverse used earlier in 1939. Collectors recognize two distinct reverse types for 1939: the Reverse of 1938 (with stepped design elements) and the Reverse of 1940 (with a more refined rendering). This DDO-003 appears specifically on coins struck with the later reverse type, pairing the doubled obverse die with the revised Monticello design. Doubled die obverses on the 1939 Jefferson Nickel are of interest because Felix Schlag's original obverse design was still relatively new — the portrait was modified in later years — and doubled dies from the earliest production carry historical weight for variety collectors. First-year Jefferson Nickels remain popular with both series collectors and die variety specialists, and DDO-003 offers both groups a documented target.

Die Markers

• UVC-611; DMR-007

External References