1946-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

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Verified LegacyDoubled Die Obverse

Market Value

N/A

Rarity Index

N/A

Discovery Date

1946

Last Sold

N/A

Description

Recognized as the premier obverse doubled die for the 1946-S Jefferson nickel, DDO-001 displays strong spread on IN, LIBERTY, the star, and the date — a comprehensive sweep of affected elements that ranks this among the most prominent DDOs for the early Jefferson nickel series. Cross-referenced as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers' Guide (formerly listed as 031.5), this variety has earned inclusion in the standard reference for major die varieties, confirming its significance to mainstream collectors. Die markers include FS-101, UVC-827, and DMR-007 identifiers. Felix Schlag's Jefferson nickel design, winner of the 1938 design competition, features these affected elements spanning from the upper motto IN GOD WE TRUST (specifically IN), across LIBERTY and the decorative star on the left, down to the date at the lower right — essentially covering the entire left and lower obverse arc. San Francisco struck approximately 13.56 million Jefferson nickels in 1946, the first post-WWII production year after the wartime silver alloy composition was retired and standard copper-nickel resumed. The reverse carries the MMS-002 designation with "Trumpet Tail" notation, identifying a specific S mintmark punch style with a flared or trumpet-shaped tail that serves as an additional die identification marker. Strong spread on this many elements — IN, LIBERTY, star, and date — indicates a dramatic hub misalignment that produced clearly visible secondary impressions detectable at 5-10x magnification. The FS-101 listing ensures this variety appears in price guides and certification service attributions, making it one of the most commercially recognized Jefferson nickel doubled dies. Collectors should look for clearly separated doubled images on the star and date first, as these compact design elements often display the spread most dramatically.