1951 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Among the most dramatic Jefferson nickel varieties cataloged for the 1951 Philadelphia issue, DDO-001 displays very strong spread across an extensive range of obverse elements: IN GOD WE TRUST, the profile of Thomas Jefferson, LIBERTY, the star, and the date. The cross-reference to FS-101 (Fivaz-Stanton 101, specifically listed as 032.5 in the Cherrypickers' Guide) underscores this variety's prominence — FS-listed varieties represent the most significant and collectible die varieties in each series, vetted by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton's authoritative reference. VarietyVista catalogs this under UVC-866 with die marriage reference DMR-003, and the FS-101 cross-reference appears in both the die marker data and the comments field. Philadelphia produced approximately 28.6 million nickels in 1951, and the very strong doubling classification places DDO-001 at the top of the detectability scale — visible under low magnification or even to the unaided eye in some cases. The spread on Jefferson's profile is particularly notable, as portrait doubling produces a dramatic "ghost image" effect where the secondary impression shifts the entire facial contour. Felix Schlag's original 1938 design had been modified by the Mint shortly after introduction to add a sharper portrait, and by 1951 the design was fully mature. As the primary obverse doubled die for 1951-P, carrying the prestige FS-101 designation, DDO-001 is one of the cornerstone varieties in the Jefferson nickel series.

Die Markers

• FS-101; UVC-866; DMR-003

Attribution History

• FS-101

External References