1935 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Cross-referenced under CONECA designation 2-O-II-C, DDO-002 on the 1935 Philadelphia Mercury Dime exhibits light spread on the date, classified as a Class II distorted hub doubling variety. Die markers UVC-241 and DMR-003 confirm this working die. The CONECA code 2-O-II-C decodes as variety number 2, Obverse, Class II (distorted hub), range C — the same doubling class as the celebrated 1931-S DDO-001 (1-O-II-C), indicating both varieties share the distorted hub mechanism where the working hub was deformed through heat treatment or extended service before impressing the working die. Class II doubling on the date can manifest as subtle warping or stretching of the numeral forms rather than the clean offset produced by standard hub displacement, and the light intensity classification means the distortion effect requires careful examination to confirm. As DDO-002 rather than DDO-001, this variety occupies the secondary catalog position for the date, indicating at least one other doubled die obverse was documented earlier or judged more prominent. The 1935 Mercury Dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 2.5 grams during a mid-Depression production year with a healthy mintage that makes the date readily available in circulated grades. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design carries his AW monogram on the obverse, and the date's position at the base of Liberty's portrait provides the diagnostic zone where the Class II distortion is visible. UVC-241's substantially higher number compared to the 1931-S DDO-001's UVC-052 reflects the broader cataloging progression across Mercury Dime varieties. Examination under 7x to 10x magnification at the date confirms the light spread consistent with the distorted hub mechanism.

Die Markers

• UVC-241, DMR-003

Attribution History

• 2-O-II-C

External References