1957 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Carrying VarietyVista die markers UVC-950 and DMR-004, DDO-002 on the 1957 Jefferson Nickel is part of a multi-variety die pairing: the reverse of this obverse die is listed as DDR-005, meaning every coin struck from this die pair carries both a doubled die obverse and a doubled die reverse — a combination variety that substantially increases both numismatic interest and collector value. The convergence of DDO-002 and DDR-005 on a single die marriage means that the obverse hub experienced a misalignment during its sinking into the working die, and independently, the reverse hub also experienced a misalignment when sinking its own working die — two separate manufacturing anomalies that happen to be paired together in production. While the specific design elements showing doubling on DDO-002 are not detailed in the primary attribution notes, the UVC-950 and DMR-004 die markers provide the fingerprint for positive identification of the obverse working die, and the DDR-005 designation on the reverse provides a secondary confirmation pathway. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait on the obverse features a left-facing bust with LIBERTY inscribed to the left and the date at the base, while the Monticello reverse positions the affected doubled die elements around the architectural rendering. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper / 25% nickel at 5 grams, the 1957 Jefferson Nickel had a substantial mintage exceeding 38 million pieces, yet the specific combination of DDO-002 paired with DDR-005 limits the potential population to coins struck during the service life of this particular die marriage. Collectors should examine both obverse and reverse under magnification, as the dual-variety nature means attribution of either side confirms the presence of the other.

Die Markers

• UVC-950; DMR-004

External References