1971-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Paired with Reverse Die Variety RDV-006 — the "strong railings" version of Monticello's portico — DDO-002 on the 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel displays light spread confined to three obverse elements: LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date. Die markers UVC-1394 and DMR-011 fingerprint this working die. The three-element spread pattern is more focused than the five-element distribution seen on many Jefferson DDOs, with the doubling concentrating on the left and lower portions of Felix Schlag's obverse where LIBERTY, the star, and the date occupy adjacent zones. The absence of detectable spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the FS designer initials suggests the hub displacement vector was oriented such that its visible effect diminished before reaching those elements, or that the offset magnitude at those positions fell below the threshold of detection. The RDV-006 reverse pairing is independently significant: "strong railings" refers to a reverse die hub variety where the railings on Monticello's front portico are cut with greater depth and clarity than on other reverse die varieties, creating a visual distinction collectible in its own right. As a proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint on polished planchets with mirror-finish dies, this nickel's reflective surfaces enhance the visibility of the light spread against the mirrored fields. The 1971-S proof was available exclusively through annual proof sets in standard copper-nickel composition. DDO-002's combination of obverse hub doubling with the specific RDV-006 reverse makes each confirmed specimen a two-point attribution.

Die Markers

• UVC-1394; DMR-011

External References