1955-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die identifiers UVC-910 and DMR-016, the 1955-D DDR-002 Jefferson Nickel presents light spread on STATES OF AMERICA with the doubling increasing from left to right — a characteristic directional gradient that helps confirm the distorted hub mechanism responsible for producing the doubled die. Three die stages are documented: Stage A represents early die state (EDS) with a die scratch running east-to-west between the lower right portion of the Monticello building and the last A of AMERICA, accompanied by an obverse also in early die state; Stage B and Stage C (both mid-die-state and late die state respectively) remain unconfirmed, awaiting additional specimens to document the die's full deterioration progression. The east-to-west die scratch at Stage A provides the most reliable diagnostic marker because it appears in a specific location between architectural elements and lettering that can be precisely referenced against the known design layout. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag, whose depiction of Monticello — Thomas Jefferson's self-designed Virginia plantation home — showcases the building's distinctive dome, portico, and columned facade on the reverse. Struck at the Denver Mint in 1955 in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, the coin weighs 5.00 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. The 1955-D had a mintage of approximately 74.5 million pieces. The relatively light doubling spread on this variety means that high-grade specimens with strong strikes provide the best viewing conditions, as the subtle displacement on STATES OF AMERICA can be difficult to distinguish from die deterioration on heavily circulated examples. Collectors should use 7x to 10x magnification and compare the affected letters against the sharper, unaffected portions of the inscription to identify the genuine doubling.

Die Markers

• UVC-910
• DMR-016
• Stage A:
• Die scratch East-West between lower Right building and last A of AMERICA – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References