1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die identifiers UVC-276 and DMR-005, the 1956 DDO-003 Roosevelt Silver Dime presents medium extra thickness on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the designer's initials JS (top to bottom), and the date — affecting all major obverse inscription groups and design elements. The "extra thickness" designation indicates the hub displacement was close enough that the secondary images substantially overlap the primary, producing broadened letter strokes rather than clearly separated doubled images. This type of close doubling can sometimes be challenging to distinguish from die deterioration doubling on heavily circulated specimens, making die-state documentation particularly valuable. Three die stages track the die's service life: Stage A at early die state (EDS, unconfirmed); Stage B at mid-die-state (MDS) showing two die gouge dots on the rim above the T of LIBERTY, with the reverse also in MDS; and Stage C where both obverse and reverse reach late die state (LDS). The two die gouge dots above the T in LIBERTY at Stage B provide a distinctive paired-dot marker that is unusual and therefore highly diagnostic. The Roosevelt Dime was designed by John R. Sinnock and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1956 in 90% silver composition (90% silver, 10% copper) weighing 2.50 grams with a 17.9 mm diameter. The 1956 Philadelphia Mint dime was produced in substantial quantities for both circulation and inclusion in proof sets. The comprehensive scope of the doubling — touching every major obverse inscription from LIBERTY through IGWT to the date and designer's initials — indicates the hub displacement affected the entire die face rather than being restricted to one area, suggesting a substantial misalignment during the hubbing process.

Die Markers

• UVC-276
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Two die gouge dots on rim above T of LIBERTY – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References