2005 (P) Jefferson Nickel - Ocean in View - Doubled Die Reverse DDR-054

Description

Light southward hub doubling on the third lowest right branch of the left tree on the Monticello grounds identifies this fifty-fourth doubled die reverse for the 2005 Jefferson Nickel Westward Journey series, a business strike cataloged by VarietyVista. The 2005 nickel featured two special reverses as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition: the American Bison reverse and the Ocean in View reverse. The reference to tree branches places this variety on one of these 2005 designs. The die experienced significant progression across its working life: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B showing a die crack through UN of UNUM to the rim at mid die state (obverse also MDS), and Stage C developing additional cracks through NT of CENTS to the rim and through ERTY of LIBERTY to the rim at late die state. This progressive cracking pattern documents the die's deterioration from initial use through terminal failure. Fifty-four documented reverse doubled dies for a single year of the Westward Journey series represents extraordinary cataloging depth, reflecting the wave of collector interest generated by the special nickel designs. The Westward Journey series introduced Joe Fitzgerald's new forward-facing Jefferson obverse in 2005, replacing Felix Schlag's left-facing portrait that had been in continuous use since 1938, further driving collector examination. This variety is confirmed as a business strike, distinguishing it from any proof or satin finish counterparts.

Die Markers

• UVC-1648
• DMR-057
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die crack through UN of UNUM to rim – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack through NT of CENTS to rim – LDS
• Die crack through ERTY of LIBERTY to rim – LDS

External References