1950 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004

Description

Extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM marks this 1950 Proof Franklin Half Dollar doubled die reverse, which adds further collecting interest through its die marriage pairing with DDO-006 on the obverse — making coins from this die pair doubled on both sides. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-032 with die marriage DMR-008 and reverse design variant RDV-001b, the confirmed Stage A places the reverse in early-mid die state while the obverse DDO-006 appears at mid die state. Mid and late die states remain unconfirmed. The Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963), designed by John R. Sinnock, featured Benjamin Franklin's portrait on the obverse with the Liberty Bell on the reverse — the only U.S. coin to depict a non-president prior to the modern commemorative era. The 1950 proof issue was struck at Philadelphia during the early years of the series, when proof mintages were modest compared to later dates. Finding a doubled die reverse paired with an independently doubled obverse die is uncommon in proof production, where die preparation receives more careful quality control than business strike manufacturing. Struck in 90% silver at 30.6mm and 12.5 grams. Check E PLURIBUS UNUM for the reverse doubling, and examine the obverse for the companion DDO-006 spread — a rare two-sided doubled die proof pairing.

Die Markers

• UVC-032
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EMDS
• Obverse is LISTED as DDO-006 – MDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References