2008 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005

Description

The 2008-P New Mexico State Quarter DDR-005, catalogued by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-1834 and DMR-009, shows a strong northward spread creating an extra lower curve on the lower left loop of the Zia Pueblo sun symbol — the central design element on New Mexico's reverse. The Zia symbol, sacred to the Zia Pueblo people and featured on New Mexico's state flag, makes an unusual host for a doubled die reverse given the geometric precision of the design. Three die stages are documented. Stage A (Early Die State) is unconfirmed. Stage B (Early-Middle Die State) is confirmed by three simultaneous markers: a die clash in the lower Zia sun symbol, heavily abraded hair above and behind the ear on the obverse, and a heavy die gouge above the U of UNITED. Stage C (Late Die State) is unconfirmed. The die clash within the Zia symbol at Stage B is particularly diagnostic, reinforcing the doubled die identification and linking the die pair during a specific production window. Collectors examining this issue should look for the extra arc on the lower left loop of the Zia symbol under magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-1834
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die clash in lower Zia Pueblo sun symbol – EMDS
• Heavily abraded hair above and behind the ear – EMDS
• Heavy die gouge above U of UNITED
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Dale Stokes
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References