1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005

Description

Paired with the well-known Reverse of 1940 hub variety, DDO-005 on the 1939 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel exhibits light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST while carrying Reverse Die Variety RDV-002 — the "Straight Steps" version of Monticello's portico, which replaced the original "Wavy Steps" reverse (RDV-001) during 1939 production. Die markers UVC-613 and DMR-009 fingerprint this working die. The Reverse of 1940 designation refers to the redesigned Monticello reverse where the steps leading to the portico run parallel to one another rather than curving in a wave-like pattern, a hub modification the Mint introduced midway through 1939 and continued into 1940 and beyond. This DDO therefore combines two distinct varieties on a single coin: obverse hub doubling producing light spread on the motto, and a specific reverse die hub pairing that is independently collectible. Felix Schlag's second-year Jefferson Nickel was struck in standard copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel), and the RDV-002 pairing adds significant context for collectors who track both doubled dies and reverse die varieties. The light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST is best confirmed under 5x to 7x magnification, while the straight steps characteristic is visible to the unaided eye when compared side by side with the earlier wavy steps version.

Die Markers

• UVC-613; DMR-009

External References