1948-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

From the inaugural year of the Franklin Half Dollar series, DDO-002 on the 1948-D issue presents a dual-intensity, directional spread pattern: light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST combined with medium spread to the southeast on the date. Delma K. Romines reported this variety, and the reverse of this working die is independently cataloged as DDR-002, making it a dual doubled die. The southeast directionality on the date's medium spread provides a precise diagnostic vector — the secondary hub impression displaced the date numerals toward the lower right, producing offset most visible on the left edges of the 1, 9, 4, and 8. The contrasting intensities between the motto (light) and the date (medium) indicate the hub misalignment concentrated its strongest visible effect at the date's position on the die, with diminishing displacement reaching IN GOD WE TRUST. John R. Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar debuted in 1948, replacing the Walking Liberty design, and varieties from this first year carry special significance for series collectors assembling comprehensive inaugural-year sets. Struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams at the Denver Mint, the 1948-D is the first Denver-minted Franklin Half Dollar ever produced. The dual doubled die pairing with DDR-002 adds further distinction — collectors should examine both sides under magnification to confirm both the obverse and reverse doubling characteristics.

External References