1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-013
Error
Description
Bearing VarietyVista identifiers UVC-593 and DMR-015, this 1938 Jefferson Nickel displays a light spread of doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST — the inaugural year of the Jefferson Nickel series, making any doubled die variety from this date historically significant as a first-year issue. Die state documentation reveals distinctive markers: Stage A in early die state shows a strong die gouge above the IB of LIBERTY and a strong die gouge through the upper R of LIBERTY with the reverse at EDS, Stage B shows both obverse and reverse at early-to-mid die state (EMDS), and Stage C at late die state remains unconfirmed. The strong die gouges above IB and through the R of LIBERTY are described as "strong" rather than the typical "small" or "light" — indicating these are substantial markers clearly visible under moderate magnification that serve as primary identification features for this variety. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel after winning a public design competition, and 1938 marks the debut of his Thomas Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, replacing the Buffalo Nickel that had served since 1913. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter, the 1938 Philadelphia issue had a moderate mintage as the new design entered production. The light spread on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST indicates the hub displacement was subtle, requiring careful examination under magnification to distinguish the secondary impression from the primary — the strong die gouges near LIBERTY therefore serve a dual diagnostic purpose, both confirming the specific die and directing the collector's attention to the nearby area where the light doubling can be found.
Die Markers
- UVC-593
- DMR-015
- Stage A:
- Strong die gouge above IB of LIBERTY – EDS
- Strong die gouge through upper R of LIBERTY
- Reverse is EDS
- Stage B:
- Obverse and Reverse are EMDS
- Stage C:
- LDS (unconfirmed)
Attribution History
- Discovered by Alan Kolb
- Expert attribution by VarietyVista
External References
Additional Notes
Die Stages and Markers UVC-593 DMR-015 Stage A: Strong die gouge above IB of LIBERTY – EDS Strong die gouge through upper R of LIBERTY Reverse is EDS Stage B: Obverse and Reverse are EMDS Stage C: LDS (unconfirmed)
Community & Reference
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