1948-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

WDDO-002 on the first-year 1948 (D) Franklin Half Dollar shows a Class II spread toward the center that increases in strength to the right, producing doubling on BER of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Tripling appears on the TY of LIBERTY. Wexler Variety ID: 1948-D 50¢ WDDO-002. The Franklin Half Dollar series was designed by John R. Sinnock — whose initials JS appear on the obverse — and ran from 1948 through 1963, featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The 1948-D is the first Denver-mint issue of the series, struck in 90% silver. Class II distorted hub doubling spreads toward the center of the coin, and on WDDO-002 the tripling on TY of LIBERTY represents a third hub impression, making this an unusually strong first-year DDO for the Franklin series. The combination of Class II spread and visible tripling elevates WDDR-002 above the more common extra-thickness varieties in the 1948-D doubled die census. Die Markers: Obverse: Light NE/SW die scratch between the head and the E of LIBERTY. Small die gouge in the field east and below center of the Y in LIBERTY. Very short die gouge to the left and slightly below center of the bell hanger. N/S die gouge in the field approximately centered between the H and A of HALF.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ostro Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1948-D 50¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References