1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Proof Roosevelt dimes from 1970 are already collected with particular attention due to the transitional year's position between silver and clad compositions, and DDO-002 adds variety interest to the 1970-S issue. Cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-716 with die markers reference DMR-010, this doubled die obverse displays a medium spread on the date, designer's initials JS (for John R. Sinnock), and IN GOD WE TRUST. The medium spread on the date digits is especially useful for preliminary screening because the date occupies the lower obverse where magnification is easiest to apply and where the displacement between primary and secondary digits creates a clear stepped or shelved appearance. Stage A at early die state is confirmed with a specific diagnostic: a small die gouge on the forehead of Roosevelt's portrait, accompanied by an EDS reverse. Stage B at mid die state and Stage C at late die state both remain unconfirmed, suggesting the die may have been pulled from service relatively early or that later-state examples have simply not been submitted for attribution. The San Francisco Mint struck proof dimes as part of the 2,632,810 proof sets produced in 1970, and these clad proof dimes replaced the silver proof dimes last made in 1964 (no proof sets were produced from 1965 to 1967). The designer's initials JS appear as small monogram letters at the truncation of Roosevelt's bust, and the medium spread on these tiny letters, while challenging to photograph, provides a secondary confirmation point after the more readily visible date doubling has been identified.

Die Markers

• UVC-716
• DMR-010
• Stage A:
• Small die gouge one forehead – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gil Medina
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References