1939 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-018

Description

Eighteenth doubled die reverse for the 1939 Jefferson Nickel proof, this VarietyVista-cataloged variety displays medium spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and is specifically identified as a proof issue — struck at the Philadelphia Mint on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies. Die classification codes UVC-1871 and DMR-030 provide systematic identification, and a distinctive Stage A die marker records a half-circle die gouge positioned southwest of the left tall window of Monticello — a precise locational marker that aids attribution even when the primary doubling is faint. The obverse die is listed as RED-002a (a designation in the VarietyVista obverse system), while the reverse is designated RDV-001, identified as the "Wavy Steps" reverse die variety — a descriptive term indicating that the steps on the Monticello depiction show an undulating or wavy appearance, possibly from die polishing or design hub characteristics. Three die stages track the progression from early die state through unconfirmed mid and late stages. The 1939 proof Jefferson Nickel was only the second year of proof production for Felix Schlag's design, and proof dies of this era were manufactured with particular care. Medium spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM on a proof die indicates a hubbing misalignment that escaped quality control during the proof die preparation process — a notable occurrence given the heightened scrutiny applied to proof tooling. Eighteen doubled die reverses documented for the 1939 proof reflects the intensity of research applied to early Jefferson Nickel proofs, where low mintages and controlled production conditions create a collector population disposed to careful examination.

Die Markers

• UVC-1871
• DMR-030
• Stage A:
• Half circle die gouge Southwest of the Left tall window – EDS
• Obverse is LISTED as RED-002a – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by S. Mallory
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References