1944 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Among wartime Jefferson nickel doubled dies, the 1944-P DDR-002 stands out for the strength and breadth of its reverse hub doubling. Very strong extra thickness develops on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, and LLO of MONTICELLO, with intensity increasing from left to right — a hallmark of Class I mechanical doubling on this die orientation. The 1944-P wartime nickel was struck in the 35% silver alloy (56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese) mandated to free strategic nickel for the war effort; these issues carry a large mint mark above Monticello as a distinctive identification feature. VarietyVista documents this variety as UVC-768 and DMR-040. Stage A is an early die state (EDS, unconfirmed); Stage B is a middle die state (MDS) during which a die clash developed under the chin; Stage C is a late die state (LDS) with a die crack from the head to the rim at K-11:30; Stage D is a very late die state (VLDS) when both dies had failed. The Stage C crack at K-11:30 is a strong locating marker, and Stage B specimens carrying both the doubling and the die clash under the chin are particularly sought after.

Die Markers

• UVC-768
• DMR-040
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Die clash under chin – MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse is LDS
• Die crack head to rim at K-11:30 – LDS
• Stage D:
• Reverse and Obverse are VLDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References