1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008

Description

Strong extra thickness across IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date places DDO-008 among the most visually prominent doubled die obverses for the 1939 Jefferson Nickel — the series' second year of production. Philadelphia struck an enormous 120.6 million nickels in 1939, and the reverse of this variety is identified as RDV-002, the "Straight Steps" Monticello reverse, which differs from the RDV-001 "Wavy Steps" variety in the rendering of the steps leading to Monticello's entrance. Die markers UVC-1766 and DMR-029 identify this specific die, and the high UVC number reflects the extensive cross-referencing system applied to early Jefferson Nickel dies. Strong extra thickness — classified as Class VI distorted hub doubling — produces design elements that appear heavier and bolder than normal, as if struck with additional relief, without the directional spread characteristic of other doubling classes. Eight documented DDOs for the 1939 Philadelphia issue represents one of the larger censuses for early Jefferson Nickels, consistent with the massive production volume that required numerous die pairs. The RDV-002 Straight Steps reverse identification adds a second attribution dimension: collectors can confirm both the obverse doubling and the reverse die variety independently, building a more complete picture of the die marriage.

Die Markers

• UVC-1766; DMR-029

External References