1930 VDDR VDDR-008

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as the eighth documented doubled die reverse for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel, VDDR-008 has been tracked across three die stages that document the progressive deterioration of this working die. Stage A represents the Early Die State, though this remains unconfirmed, suggesting specimens from the die's earliest production have not been definitively identified. Stage B advances to Early-to-Mid Die State (EMDS) on both the reverse and obverse, indicating moderate die wear had developed on both faces by the time most documented specimens were struck. Stage C reaches Late Die State, also unconfirmed. The die markers UVC and DMR designations await final assignment, suggesting this variety may have been documented more recently or has limited confirmed specimens. James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel design — featuring a composite portrait of Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison standing on a mound on the reverse — was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm and a plain edge. The 1930 Buffalo Nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint during the early months of the Great Depression, when mintages began declining sharply from the levels of the late 1920s. The doubled die reverse designation indicates hub doubling affecting the bison and reverse inscription elements of Fraser's design, and the three documented die stages provide a framework for collectors to assess the relative production timing of their specimens within this die's service life across the Philadelphia Mint's production run.

Die Markers

• UVC-???
• DMR-0??
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are EMDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Pete Goydos
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References