1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005

Description

Fifth in the sextet of 1968-S doubled die obverses, DDO-005 belongs to the medium-spread subgroup alongside DDO-001 and DDO-006, exhibiting medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, the date, and Felix Schlag's FS designer initials. Die markers UVC-1327 and DMR-011 uniquely identify this working die. The medium intensity classification places DDO-005 in the same visibility tier as DDO-001 (UVC-1323) and DDO-006 (UVC-1328), distinguishing all three from the light-spread trio of DDO-002 through DDO-004. While the intensity level matches DDO-001, the physical doubling geometry differs: each working die experienced its own independent hub misalignment event, meaning the exact direction, angle, and magnitude of displacement on DDO-005 will not precisely replicate those on DDO-001 even though both produce medium-strength visible doubling across the same five elements. DMR-011 documents the specific die scratches, polishing marks, and flow lines unique to this particular working die — characteristics that provide definitive attribution independent of the doubling itself. Collectors differentiating between the three medium-spread 1968-S varieties should photograph the FS initials area at high magnification and compare the precise offset direction and any die-specific characteristics against published DMR documentation. The 1968-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in standard copper-nickel composition. UVC-1327's position within the consecutive 1324-1328 cataloging block for 1968-S varieties reflects the systematic documentation of this date-mint's unusually productive doubling history.

Die Markers

• UVC-1327; DMR-011

External References