1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

The primary doubled die reverse for the 1956 Proof Roosevelt Dime, DDR-001 is cataloged by VarietyVista (UVC-280, DMR-009) and displays a medium spread on STATES OF AMERICA with lighter spread on DIME, UNUM, and the lower right branch and leaves. Struck in 90% silver at the Philadelphia Mint exclusively for proof sets, this coin carries the brilliant mirrored surfaces characteristic of proof coinage, which can make doubled die features both easier and harder to detect depending on the angle of light. Three die stages are documented. Stage A is early die state (unconfirmed). Stage B reaches mid-die state, identifiable by a small die gouge above the E of UNITED and a light curved die scratch on the forehead above the eye on the obverse. Stage C is cataloged as late die state (unconfirmed). John R. Sinnock's Roosevelt Dime design had been in production for ten years by 1956, and proof dies of this era were prepared with special care, making doubled dies on proof coinage somewhat less common than on business strikes. The DDR-001 designation as the first cataloged doubled die reverse underscores its significance among 1956 proof dime varieties.

Die Markers

• UVC-280
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Small die gouge above E of UNITED – MDS
• Light curved die scratch on forehead above eye – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References