1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Rotational spread defines DDO-002 of the 1970-S Jefferson Nickel, appearing on the letters IN of the motto, the lower front of Jefferson's coat, and the designer's initials FS (Felix Schlag) — three elements spread across different zones of the obverse that together trace the arc of the rotational misalignment. Light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST provides the text-based diagnostic, while the rotational component on IN, the coat, and the initials confirms this as a pivot-point doubling where the hub rotated slightly relative to the die during hubbing. San Francisco struck these nickels for circulation, and DDO-002 represents the second documented doubled die obverse for this date and mint, one step behind the primary DDO-001. Die markers UVC-1372 and DMR-015 provide the secondary confirmation framework. The appearance of doubling on Felix Schlag's designer initials FS, which are located on the obverse near Jefferson's shoulder, places part of the diagnostic in a small, easily overlooked area — collectors need to examine beyond the obvious motto and date locations. Rotational doubling is mechanistically different from the lateral or vertical spread seen in many doubled dies: instead of a simple directional shift, the hub pivoted around a fixed point, creating spread that increases with distance from the pivot center and follows a curved rather than linear path.

Die Markers

• UVC-1372; DMR-015

External References