1943 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

A close spread toward the center on the date and lower skirt — with doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY potentially visible on higher-grade specimens — marks this second Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The caveat about higher-grade specimens is significant: the examined specimen was circulated, and the die markers note "none visible" on the obverse due to wear, while the reverse shows long die scratches through the last S in STATES, through OF, and through AM in AMERICA. This variety carries an important provenance note: it is a replacement listing, as the original WDDO-002 was a 1943/2 overdate die that was delisted as a doubled working hub and placed under reevaluation. If that original die is reinstated, this variety may be reassigned to a different number. Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty Half Dollar, struck from 1916 through 1947, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs, featuring Liberty striding toward the sunrise on the obverse. The 1943 issue was produced during World War II, when half dollar production continued in 90% silver composition despite wartime pressures that affected other denominations. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1943 50-cent WDDO-002, this variety was documented by the Wexler Team. The uncertain status of the numbering — pending potential reinstatement of the original WDDO-002 — illustrates the evolving nature of die variety research as new analytical methods refine classifications.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original WDDO-002 was a 1943/2 die that was delisted as a doubled working hub and is now under reevaluation. If the original WDDO-002 is reinstated as a doubled die, this die may be reassigned to a different number.
• None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original WDDO-002 was a 1943/2 die that was delisted as a doubled working hub and is now under reevaluation. If the original WDDO-002 is reinstated as a doubled die, this die may be reassigned to a different number.; Wexler Variety ID: 1943 50¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References