1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Third in the sequence of six documented 1968-S doubled die obverses, DDO-003 shares the same five-element light spread pattern as its siblings — affecting IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and Felix Schlag's FS initials — but is uniquely identified by die markers UVC-1325 and DMR-009. The sequential UVC numbering (DDO-002 carries UVC-1324, DDO-003 carries UVC-1325) reveals these dies were cataloged consecutively in the VarietyVista system, suggesting they were either discovered together or submitted in rapid succession, though each represents an independent working die that received its own distinct hub doubling event during manufacture. While the five affected areas and light intensity classification match DDO-002, the physical doubling on DDO-003 is produced by a different die with its own unique hub misalignment angle, magnitude, and resulting micro-geometry — meaning the precise position and direction of the secondary image on each letter or design element will differ between the two varieties when examined under sufficient magnification. These differences, though subtle at the light intensity level, are what the DMR (Die Marker Record) designations capture: DMR-009 documents specific die scratches, polish lines, or flow marks unique to this particular working die that serve as independent confirmation points beyond the doubling itself. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in copper-nickel composition, this 1968-S nickel's light spread is best confirmed by comparing FS initials placement against known DDO-002 specimens to verify the distinct die origin.

Die Markers

• UVC-1325; DMR-009

External References