1939 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide as FS-802 (022.5), the 1939 Jefferson Nickel DDR-002 is one of the most significant first-year varieties in the series, combining strong doubled die reverse doubling with the transitional Reverse of 1940 design (RDV-002). Strong extra thickness appears on all reverse lettering, with the most prominent spread concentrated on FIVE CENTS and AMERICA. The Reverse of 1940 designation — identified by its straight Monticello steps rather than the curved steps of the original 1939 reverse (RDV-001) — marks this as a transitional die where Felix Schlag's reverse design was modified between the first and second years of production. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-615 with die marriage DMR-011, DDR-002 pairs two independently collectible features on a single coin: the strong doubled die reverse and the sought-after Straight Steps reverse design. The FS-802 Cherrypickers' listing underscores this variety's desirability, as only varieties deemed significant enough for active searching receive FS designation. First-year Jefferson Nickel varieties carry particular collector appeal, and the combination of strong doubling with the design transition makes DDR-002 a cornerstone variety for the series.

Die Markers

• FS-802; UVC-615; DMR-011

Attribution History

• FS-802

External References