1968-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-009

Description

Among the most diagnostically interesting varieties in the 1968-S Jefferson Nickel catalog, DDR-009 displays an unusual opposing directional gradient: light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM decreases from left to right, while STATES OF AMERICA simultaneously increases from left to right. This contrary pattern — where doubling fades across one inscription in the same direction it strengthens across another — suggests a complex hub displacement geometry, possibly involving a compound rotation that affected the two inscriptions differently based on their positions on Felix Schlag's reverse. Die markers UVC-1351 and DMR-035 confirm the working die. The opposing gradient is a powerful attribution tool: examining the leftmost letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM (where spread is strongest) against the rightmost letters of STATES OF AMERICA (where that spread peaks) reveals maximum contrast in doubling behavior. The 1968-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in copper-nickel composition. Scan both inscriptions under 10x magnification, comparing letter displacement from left to right to confirm the counter-directional pattern.

Die Markers

• UVC-1351; DMR-035

External References