1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-014

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDO-014 under Universal Variety Code UVC-1336 and Die Marker Reference DMR-020, this 1968-S Jefferson nickel proof doubled die obverse displays a medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials. Three die states have been documented: Stage A at early-to-mid die state shows a die gouge dot between the US of TRUST with the reverse also in early-to-mid die state; Stage B at mid die state remains unconfirmed; Stage C at late die state is likewise unconfirmed. The die gouge dot between the U and S of TRUST is a critical die marker for authentication at Stage A, providing a precise reference point that distinguishes this die from others with similar doubling patterns. The 1968-S proof Jefferson nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. This was the first year that proof coins returned to the San Francisco Mint after the 1965-1967 hiatus during which Special Mint Sets replaced proof production. The Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series saw a resurgence in variety collecting interest when proof production resumed at San Francisco, and the 1968-S date has yielded numerous doubled die varieties. Felix Schlag's original portrait of Thomas Jefferson and the Monticello reverse provided the design elements on which the medium doubling spread is visible, with the full motto and LIBERTY inscription being the primary areas for cherry-picking this particular variety.

Die Markers

• UVC-1336
• DMR-020
• Stage A:
• Die gouge dot between the US of TRUST – EMDS
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References