1945 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

As the primary doubled die obverse for the final year of the Mercury Dime series, the 1945 DDO-001 exhibits medium hub doubling spread on the date and Adolph A. Weinman's designer initials (AW, located at the truncation of Liberty's neck), with lighter secondary contours on IN GOD WE TRUST and ERTY of LIBERTY. The medium spread on the date digits is the strongest diagnostic — the doubled contours on 1945 are visible under moderate magnification and provide the most reliable attribution point. Cross-referenced as 1-O-II-C (first DDO, obverse, Class II, C classification), this is the leading DDO variety for the date. Die markers include UVC-238 and DMR-003. The 1945 Philadelphia Mint issue represents the very last year of Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design, which had been in production since 1916 — the following year saw the introduction of John R. Sinnock's Roosevelt Dime. Struck in 90% silver at 2.50 grams, wartime 1945 dimes are common in circulated grades but the DDO-001 adds meaningful variety premium. Examine the date digits and the AW designer initials for medium doubling spread, then confirm with the lighter spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and ERTY of LIBERTY.

Die Markers

• UVC-238, DMR-003

Attribution History

• 1-O-II-C

External References