1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Carrying the premier DDR designation for the 1938-D Buffalo Nickel, this doubled die reverse displays a light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and holds the distinguished cross-reference FS-513 in the Fivaz-Stanton "Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties." The FS-513 listing elevates this variety to one of the most widely recognized Buffalo Nickel die varieties, making it a standard target for cherrypickers examining the final-year Denver Mint issue. VarietyVista cataloging provides UVC-226 and DMR-011, with three die stages tracked: Stage A in Early Die State remains unconfirmed, Stage B at Mid Die State is notably cross-listed as OMM-003 (Over Mintmark) with the obverse also showing MDS characteristics, and Stage C shows both the reverse and obverse in Late Die State. The dual attribution as both a doubled die reverse and an over mintmark variety makes this die pair exceptionally significant — it documents two distinct production errors on the same working die, which provides insight into the sequential manufacturing steps at the Denver Mint in 1938. The Buffalo Nickel series ended that year with the introduction of the Jefferson Nickel design, making 1938-D varieties the terminal entries for James Earle Fraser's iconic bison-and-Native American design. The DDR-001 designation as the first cataloged doubled die reverse for this date underscores its prominence, and the FS-513 cross-reference ensures it appears in the most widely consulted variety reference guides used by collectors nationwide.

Die Markers

• UVC-226
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is LISTED as OMM-003 – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• FS-513
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References