2005 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-037

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-1621 and DMR-040, this business strike Jefferson Nickel from the Westward Journey series exhibits a medium southward spread on the second and third branches of the right tree in the American Bison reverse design. The die progressed through extensively documented stages: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed); Stage B showing die gouges above the F and V of FIVE, die chips in the designer's initials, a die crack on the left eyebrow, a die crack on the upper lip, and a die crack on the nose tip — all at mid-die state; and Stage C at late die state (unconfirmed). The 2005 Westward Journey nickel featured two new reverse designs as part of the commemorative program honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition — the American Bison design by Jamie Franki appeared during the first half of the year, while the Ocean in View design appeared in the second half. The bison reverse's landscape detail, including trees flanking the animal, provided clear reference geometry where doubled die spread could be detected. Thirty-seven documented doubled die reverses for this design demonstrates the level of scrutiny these modern commemorative issues received from variety hunters. The multiple die cracks documented in Stage B — on the eyebrow, upper lip, and nose tip — reveal progressive die fatigue that developed alongside the hubbing-related doubling.

Die Markers

• UVC-1621
• DMR-040
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouges above F and V of FIVE – MDS
• Die chips in designer's initials
• Die crack on Left eyebrow – MDS
• Die crack on upper lip
• Die crack on nose tip
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References