1968-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Holding the primary doubled die obverse designation for the 1968-D Jefferson Nickel, DDO-001 presents medium spread across four obverse elements — IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date — with the strongest displacement concentrated on LIBERTY. Die markers UVC-1318 and DMR-006 confirm this working die. The variable-intensity pattern, where LIBERTY receives the peak doubling while the remaining three elements show lesser but still medium-classified spread, indicates the hub displacement vector aligned most favorably with LIBERTY's specific position and orientation on the die face, producing maximum visible separation between primary and secondary letter images at that location. This variable distribution within the medium classification provides a useful diagnostic hierarchy: collectors should find the strongest and most immediately apparent doubling on LIBERTY, with progressively subtler but still confirmed spread on the motto, star, and date. As DDO-001, this variety anchors the doubled die obverse catalog for the 1968-D, representing the most significant or first-cataloged obverse hub doubling for this date-mint combination. The 1968-D carries special numismatic significance as the first year mintmarks returned to United States coinage after the three-year hiatus (1965-1967) imposed during the coin shortage era — the D mintmark on the obverse confirmed Denver Mint production and restored the traditional identification system that collectors had relied upon since the nineteenth century. Struck in standard copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) on Felix Schlag's design, this nickel's medium spread is most readily confirmed by beginning examination at LIBERTY under 5x to 7x magnification where the strongest displacement resides.

Die Markers

• UVC-1318; DMR-006

External References