1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

VarietyVista catalogs the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime DDO-003 under UVC-514 with DMR-005, documenting a proof-era doubled die that shows extra thickness on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and designer John R. Sinnock's initials, plus a light split on the lower portion of the numeral 9 in the date. The "extra thickness" description indicates a close spread where the doubling manifests as slightly wider-than-normal letters rather than the dramatic separation seen on stronger doubled dies — a presentation sometimes described as a "fat letters" effect. The 1968-S holds special historical significance as the first San Francisco Mint proof dime struck in the copper-nickel clad composition that replaced silver beginning in 1965. San Francisco had suspended proof production entirely during the 1965-1967 Special Mint Set period, resuming proof coinage in 1968 with the new clad alloy. The reverse is identified as RDV-002, characterized by a "strong flame" on the torch — a reverse die variety designation that helps researchers track specific die pairings across multiple obverse combinations. Three die stages are documented: Stage A in Early Die State is unconfirmed; Stage B shows both obverse and reverse at Mid Die State; Stage C in Late Die State is also unconfirmed. The transition from silver to clad proof production required new die preparation techniques and metallurgical adjustments, and the DDO-003 may reflect the die manufacturing learning curve during this pivotal changeover period. Proof doubled dies are particularly valued because proof coins' mirror-like fields make the doubling exceptionally visible under magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-514
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

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

External References