2005 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-015

Description

Attributed by VarietyVista, DDR-015 on the 2005 Jefferson Nickel Westward Journey design presents a very strong but light spread affecting a portion of the lowest left branch of the right tree visible in the field above the bison. Die stage documentation tracks this die through three confirmed states under UVC-1573 and DMR-018. Stage A identifies both reverse in Early Die State (EDS) with a diagnostic small die gouge dot positioned above the S of TRUST — a critical attribution marker for the earliest strikes from this die. Stage B transitions to Mid-Die State, though this progression remains unconfirmed pending additional specimen documentation. Stage C reaches Late Die State, also unconfirmed. The 2005 Westward Journey series, designed by Jamie Franki, depicted an American bison on the reverse as part of the two-year nickel redesign commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition. Notably, this variety appears in SMS (Special Mint Set) format and can be found in Westward Journey Sets, suggesting the die was used for collector-quality strikes rather than standard circulation production. The satin finish characteristic of SMS coins provides excellent conditions for examining hub doubling, as the matte surface renders subtle spread more visible than on standard proof or business strike surfaces.

Die Markers

• UVC-1573
• DMR-018
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Small die gouge dot above the S of TRUST – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Zaletel
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References