1960 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die marker codes UVC-335 and DMR-004, this 1960 Roosevelt Silver Dime DDO-002 exhibits medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the profile of Roosevelt's portrait, accompanied by light spread on the designer's initials JS (for John R. Sinnock) and LIBERTY — a graduated doubling intensity pattern where the motto and profile show stronger displacement than the peripheral inscriptions. Three die stages are documented: Stage A in early die state (EDS) identified by a short die gouge at the left middle of the Y of LIBERTY on the obverse, with the reverse also in EDS; Stage B with both obverse and reverse at mid-die-state (MDS); and Stage C in late die state (LDS), unconfirmed. The die gouge in the Y of LIBERTY at Stage A serves as the primary diagnostic marker for identifying early die state specimens, as this gouge would have been present from the die's initial production use and provides a reliable identification point before any progressive deterioration markers developed. The Roosevelt Silver Dime was designed by John R. Sinnock, whose JS initials on the obverse truncation are among the elements showing light doubling on this variety. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1960 in 90% silver composition (90% silver, 10% copper) weighing 2.50 grams with a diameter of 17.9 mm, the 1960 date falls within the final years of silver dime production before the Coinage Act of 1965 transitioned the denomination to copper-nickel clad. The medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST is the most accessible diagnostic for collectors, as the motto's bold lettering shows the hub displacement most clearly against the smooth field surrounding the inscription on Roosevelt's obverse.

Die Markers

• UVC-335
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Short die gouge Left middle of the Y of LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References