1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Cataloged as DDO-003 in the VarietyVista attribution system (UVC-1778, DMR-006), this 1938-D Jefferson Nickel exhibits a light spread across multiple obverse elements: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date all show the characteristic misalignment of a doubled die strike. The 1938-D carries additional historical significance as the first year Denver Mint struck the Jefferson Nickel, which began with the series changeover from the Buffalo Nickel in 1938. Three die stages have been identified for this variety. Stage A is marked by a die gouge running from the middle of the B and R of LIBERTY, placing the die at early die state, with the reverse also at early die state. Stage B advances both the obverse and reverse to mid-die state. Stage C is cataloged as late die state, though its specific characteristics remain unconfirmed. The UVC-1778 and DMR-006 codes serve as die markers for tracking individual specimens. Collectors should use the Stage A die gouge in LIBERTY as a primary confirmation point when attributing early die state examples alongside the light spread on the date and legends.

Die Markers

• UVC-1778
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Die gouge from middle of B and R of LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Mike Dingeldein
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References