2005 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-019

Description

Strong extra thickness on all interior design elements with light doubling on the tip of the third left branch of the right tree marks DDR-019 as a notable doubled die reverse for the 2005 Jefferson Nickel Westward Journey series — specifically the American Bison reverse designed by Jamie Franki. VarietyVista records die markers UVC-1577 and DMR-022 and documents Stage A showing die scratches through the lower I of LEWIS at Early Die State with the obverse also in EDS, while Stages B (MDS) and C (LDS) remain unconfirmed. The notation "SMS. Can be found in Mint Sets" indicates this variety has been confirmed in the Satin Finish coins produced for 2005 uncirculated mint sets, which used a special burnishing process that gave the planchets a distinctive matte texture before striking. The 2005 Westward Journey program commemorated the Lewis and Clark expedition with two distinctive reverse designs — the American Bison and the Ocean in View reverses — making it a two-year departure from the traditional Monticello reverse. The strong extra thickness across all interior design elements suggests the hub doubling was substantial enough to affect the bison, landscape, and lettering comprehensively rather than being limited to isolated areas. The tree branch detail — specifically the third left branch of the right tree — provides a precise attribution checkpoint for confirming this variety among the numerous doubled die reverses cataloged for the 2005 date. Finding DDR-019 in SMS finish adds a premium dimension, as satin finish coins were produced in lower quantities than standard business strikes.

Die Markers

• UVC-1577
• DMR-022
• Stage A:
• Die scratches through the lower I of LEWIS – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References