2005 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Bearing the lead DDO designation for the 2005 Jefferson Nickel Westward Journey series, DDO-001 shows light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, RTY of LIBERTY, and the date. The VarietyVista classification assigns UVC-1558 and DMR-003, with three documented stages: Stage A shows the obverse in early die state with the reverse listed as DDR-012 in EDS, Stage B and Stage C remain unconfirmed at MDS and LDS respectively. The reverse pairing with DDR-012 means this die marriage combines a doubled die obverse with a doubled die reverse — a relatively uncommon conjunction that makes this variety especially appealing to specialists. The comments note this is an SMS (Satin Finish) variety that can be found in Westward Journey Nickel Sets — the special mint sets that contained the 2005 nickels with their distinctive satin finish rather than the standard business strike luster. The Westward Journey series featured two unique reverse designs in 2005: the "American Bison" and the "Ocean in View" commemorating Lewis and Clark's expedition. As the primary doubled die obverse for this commemorative design, DDO-001 represents the most significant hub doubling event documented on the 2005 obverse die, which bore Joe Fitzgerald's forward-facing portrait of Jefferson — a dramatic departure from the traditional right-facing profile used since 1938. The novelty of this obverse design, combined with the satin finish and the DDO/DDR die marriage, positions DDO-001 as a key variety within the short-lived Westward Journey specialty.

Die Markers

• UVC-1558
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Reverse is LISTED as DDR-012 – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Steve Santangelo & Kevin Zaletel
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References