1940 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Bearing the DDR-002 designation for the 1940 Jefferson nickel, this second reverse doubled die exhibits medium spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM across Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse and carries the prominent cross-reference FS-901 — a Fivaz-Stanton designation from the authoritative "Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties" that elevates its visibility among mainstream collectors. Die markers include FS-901, UVC-639, and DMR-002, establishing multiple cross-referencing paths for attribution. The FS-901 listing is significant because inclusion in the Cherrypicker's Guide substantially increases collector demand and market recognition compared to varieties documented only in specialist catalogs. This variety is designated as a proof strike, placing it within the 1940 proof production of approximately 14,158 Jefferson nickel proofs — a minuscule output compared to the hundreds of millions of business strikes produced that year. The reverse die is identified as RDV-001, the "Wavy Steps" reverse design variant, which features a distinctive undulating pattern in the Monticello steps that distinguishes it from subsequent reverse die variants. The comments field records that this same reverse die appears paired with the 1939 DDR-006, indicating the die saw service across multiple production years — a practice the Mint employed to maximize die utility. Additionally, the obverse die is listed as DDO-002, creating a dual-attribution variety where both the obverse and reverse carry independently documented doubled die designations within the same die marriage. The combination of FS-901 recognition, proof-only production, the Wavy Steps reverse, cross-year die usage, and dual DDO/DDR attribution makes this one of the more complex and desirable Jefferson nickel varieties. Medium spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM should be discernible at 10-12x magnification under fiber-optic illumination.

Die Markers

• FS-901; UVC-639; DMR-002

Attribution History

• FS-901

External References