1972-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

A proof doubled die from the San Francisco Mint, DDO-001 on the 1972-S Jefferson Nickel exhibits medium spread on LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date. Die markers UVC-1026 and DMR-006 identify this working die. As a proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint, this nickel was produced on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies with multiple impressions, yielding the mirror fields and frosted devices that define proof coinage. Proof dies are retired after producing far fewer coins than business strike dies, meaning doubled die proof varieties typically exist in smaller populations. Medium spread indicates clearly visible secondary images, and the proof surface quality — free of bag marks and contact wear — provides an ideal canvas for observing hub doubling, often making the doubling appear more dramatic than comparable spread on a business strike. The 1972 proof nickel was available exclusively through annual proof sets sold by the Mint. Felix Schlag's design elements — LIBERTY, star, and date — respond distinctly to medium displacement, with the star's geometric points providing the sharpest diagnostic evidence of hub offset direction and magnitude.

Die Markers

• UVC-1026; DMR-006

External References