1939-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Carrying the historically significant Reverse of 1938 designation (RDV-001, Wavy Steps), the 1939-S Jefferson Nickel DDR-001 shows light hub doubling spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM on Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse. The Reverse of 1938 is distinguished by its wavy steps on the Monticello portico — where the straight horizontal lines of the steps appear undulating rather than level — a die characteristic present only in 1938 and early 1939 before the Mint revised the reverse master to correct the steps. This makes any Wavy Steps variety a transitional piece documenting the early design configuration. Die markers UVC-637 and DMR-004 identify this working die across three stages: Stage A where both reverse and obverse are in early die state, Stage B where both reach mid die state, and Stage C in late die state (unconfirmed). The 1939-S is a key date in the Jefferson Nickel series with a mintage of only 6,630,000 — the lowest regular-issue production figure for any San Francisco Jefferson Nickel. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Attributed by VarietyVista. Examine E PLURIBUS UNUM for the light doubled contours, then inspect the Monticello steps for the wavy appearance that confirms the RDV-001 Reverse of 1938 die.

Die Markers

• UVC-637
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jerome Goodman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References