1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

The 1961 Proof DDO-003 is a doubled die obverse variety on the Philadelphia Mint Proof Roosevelt Dime, cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-364 with die-marriage reference DMR-005. The obverse displays a light spread on the full motto IN GOD WE TRUST and on the designer's initials JS (for John R. Sinnock), which appear side by side at the truncation of Roosevelt's bust. The involvement of both motto and initials indicates the hub misalignment affected a substantial zone of the obverse, spanning from the upper field to the base of the bust. Three die stages have been identified: Stage A is the early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B shows both obverse and reverse in mid-die state, and Stage C is the late die state (unconfirmed). As a Proof issue, this variety was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of Proof coinage — a finish that can enhance the visibility of subtle doubled die features by providing high contrast between doubled design elements and reflective background surfaces.

Die Markers

• UVC-364
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Affanato
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References