1989 (S) Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-1785 and DMR-003, this second doubled die obverse for the 1989-S Jefferson Nickel shows light spread on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials. Die state analysis documents Stage A with both obverse and reverse at Early Die State, while Stage B (Mid Die State) and Stage C (Late Die State) remain unconfirmed. The S mintmark identifies this as a San Francisco Mint product, and 1989-S nickels were produced for both circulation and proof sets during this period. Light spread means the displacement between the two hubbing impressions was minimal, requiring magnification to confirm — a characteristic that distinguishes this from the more dramatic wide-spread doubled dies that can be identified with the unaided eye. The spread across multiple design elements — LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer initials FS — indicates a uniform displacement affecting the entire obverse design rather than a localized distortion. Felix Schlag's portrait of Thomas Jefferson, winner of the 1938 design competition, had been in production for over fifty years by 1989, and the San Francisco Mint's role had evolved from a major circulation strike facility to one focused increasingly on collector products. The combination of spread across both text and design elements confirms this as a true hub doubling rather than die deterioration doubling.

Die Markers

• UVC-1785
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References