2008 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDR-001 with die marker code UVC-1796 and DMR-003, this doubled die reverse variety appears on a 2008 Jefferson nickel from the Return to Monticello series, struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel in its Return to Monticello iteration, reintroduced in 2006 after the 2004-2005 Westward Journey program, features Jamie Franki's updated forward-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse and Felix Schlag's classic Monticello design on the reverse. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. The doubling on DDR-001 is described as a strong spread south, manifesting as an extra central doorway roof on the Monticello building, a visually striking diagnostic that creates the appearance of a duplicated roof line over the main entrance. Three die stages have been identified: Stage A shows both reverse and obverse in early die state; Stage B exhibits a large depression in the field west of the building indicating early mid-die state on the reverse while the obverse is also in early mid-die state; and Stage C represents late die state, though this remains unconfirmed. The development of a field depression at Stage B is noteworthy as it indicates the die surface was beginning to deform under striking pressure, a form of die fatigue that progresses through the die's working life. As DDR-001 for the 2008 Return to Monticello nickel, this is the first cataloged doubled die reverse for this date, holding a primary position in the variety census. VarietyVista's UVC numbering system provides a unique identifier that complements other attribution services, and the strong visual impact of the doubled doorway roof makes this variety more readily detectable than many subtle DDR varieties that require high magnification for confirmation.

Die Markers

• UVC-1796
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Large depression in field West of the building – EMDS
• Obverse is EMDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Raines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References