1989 (S) Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Proof-only and carrying the primary designation, DDO-001 for the 1989-S Jefferson nickel shows light spread on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials FS (for Felix Schlag). San Francisco struck approximately 3.22 million proof nickels in 1989, exclusively for inclusion in the annual proof set — no business-strike S-mint nickels were produced for circulation. As a proof variety, this DDO originated from a die used in the controlled proof striking environment, where polished dies and specially prepared planchets produce the characteristic mirror fields and frosted devices. VarietyVista catalogs the variety as UVC-1745 with die marriage DMR-002. The inclusion of Felix Schlag's initials among the affected design elements provides an unusual diagnostic — collectors examining the lower bust truncation area can check the FS monogram for spread alongside the more traditional LIBERTY and date diagnostics. Light doubling on proof surfaces can be particularly subtle; careful examination under 7-10x magnification with the coin tilted to reduce glare from the mirror fields is essential for reliable detection.

Die Markers

• UVC-1745; DMR-002

External References