1940-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-007

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-1611 and DMR-011, DDR-007 on the 1940-D Jefferson Nickel presents light spread on FIVE CENTS and the last O of MONTICELLO. Three documented die stages track the progressive deterioration of this reverse working die: Stage A exhibits a medium die gouge in the field above the mintmark at early die state (EDS) with the obverse also in EDS, Stage B shows both the reverse and obverse at mid-die-state (MDS), and Stage C is a late die state (LDS) that remains unconfirmed. The medium die gouge above the mintmark in Stage A provides a critical secondary diagnostic that helps collectors confirm they are examining the correct die independent of the doubling itself. This variety was struck at the Denver Mint during the second full year of the Jefferson Nickel series, which debuted in 1938 with Felix Schlag's competition-winning design featuring Thomas Jefferson's portrait on the obverse and his Monticello estate on the reverse. The 1940-D was produced in standard copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.000 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, two years before the wartime silver alloy substitution of 1942-1945. The light spread on FIVE CENTS and the terminal O of MONTICELLO indicates a modest hub displacement that concentrated its visible effect on the lower reverse inscriptions, making these the primary diagnostic zones for attribution under 7x to 10x magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-1611
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• Medium die gouge in field above mintmark – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References