1949 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDR-001 for the 1949 Franklin Half Dollar, this variety exhibits light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM across John R. Sinnock's reverse design featuring the Liberty Bell. Die markers UVC-016 and DMR-004 identify the specific working die across three documented stages. Stage A represents Early Die State, currently unconfirmed, when the doubling would appear at its sharpest before progressive wear began softening the effect. Stage B reaches Mid Die State with two significant diagnostics: a die clash visible through the B of PLURIBUS — where the obverse die impression transferred through the planchet gap during a strike without a coin present — and die scratches running southeast from the eye on the obverse, suggesting this die pair experienced clashing forces that left traces on both sides. Stage C reaches Late Die State, also unconfirmed. The 1949 Franklin Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver, 10% copper composition at 12.50 grams on 30.6mm planchets, with a mintage of 5,614,000 pieces. The Franklin Half series ran from 1948 to 1963 before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar. Examine the E PLURIBUS UNUM inscription under 7x magnification for subtle broadening of letter strokes.

Die Markers

• UVC-016
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die clash through B of PLURIBUS – MDS
• Die scratches Southeast from eye – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brett Parrish
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References