2005 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-010

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with UVC-1569 and DMR-014, the 2005 Jefferson Nickel DDR-010 from the Westward Journey series presents a very strong spread on the lower branch of the left side of the right tree on the American Bison reverse. The "very strong" characterization elevates this variety above the more common light and medium spreads, indicating clearly visible hub doubling that may be detectable without extreme magnification on well-struck examples. Three die stages are documented: Stage A shows the reverse in EDS with a light die scratch west from the upper W of WE on the obverse, Stage B is unconfirmed MDS, and Stage C is unconfirmed LDS. Comments identify this as an SMS (Satin Finish) variety that can be found in Westward Journey Sets — the special packaging that the Mint offered for the 2004-2005 commemorative nickel designs. The satin finish treatment, applied to coins in uncirculated mint sets during 2005-2010, produced a distinctive matte-like surface that differs from both proof and standard circulation finishes. Joe Fitzgerald's American Bison reverse design, with its pastoral scene of a buffalo in a landscape with trees, provides the organic design context where this doubling manifests on natural elements rather than architectural features or typography. The very strong spread on a tree branch is particularly interesting because organic shapes do not have the regular geometry of letters or numerals, making the doubled impression create an unusual visual effect of the branch appearing to split or blur. Ten documented DDRs for the 2005 Westward Journey nickels speaks to active collector examination of these distinctive designs, which generated exceptional public interest during their brief two-year production window.

Die Markers

• UVC-1569
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Light die scratch West from upper W of WE – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Zaletel
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References