1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDO-007 with UVC-1093 and DMR-002, this 1968-S Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse exhibits light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, which may strengthen as die state progresses. The variety is documented across three die stages: Stage A in EDS (Early Die State) remains unconfirmed, Stage B in MDS (Mid Die State) shows a die gouge between the ER of LIBERTY with the reverse also in MDS, and Stage C in LDS (Late Die State) remains unconfirmed. The die gouge between ER of LIBERTY at Stage B serves as the primary attribution marker for confirmed specimens. The 1968-S Jefferson Nickel is notable as the first year San Francisco resumed production of circulating nickels after a hiatus — the S mintmark had been absent from business-strike nickels during the mid-1960s coinage shortage when the Mint temporarily removed mintmarks to discourage hoarding. Felix Schlag's original 1938 design graces both sides, with Jefferson's left-facing portrait on the obverse and the front elevation of Monticello on the reverse. The coin was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter with a plain edge. Hub doubling during this era resulted from the multiple-impression hubbing process, where each working die required several passes under the hub to fully transfer the design — any shift in alignment between impressions produced the doubled features observed on this variety. The light nature of the spread on IGWT means collectors should use at least 10x magnification with strong side lighting to detect the doubled elements, focusing especially on the serifs and curves of the letters where offset is most apparent.

Die Markers

• UVC-1329
• DMR-013
• Stage A:
• Die gouge dot on lower front coat – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References