1952 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Carrying the primary WDDO designation for the 1952 Franklin half dollar, WDDO-001 exhibits a close counter-clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 12:00, affecting the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse. The pivot-based rotation mechanism places the center of angular displacement at the top of the die, meaning elements closest to the 12:00 position show minimal movement while those further away exhibit progressively wider separation — a geometry that concentrates the most detectable doubling on inscription elements positioned away from the top of the coin. John R. Sinnock's Franklin half dollar design, produced from 1948 to 1963, placed IGWT along the upper left obverse above Franklin's head. A small die gouge to the right of the upper first T in TRUST serves as the obverse die marker, providing a secondary diagnostic for confirming the correct working die. The reverse reached late die state (LDS) with no significant markers, indicating the reverse die wore through its service life without developing distinctive identifying features. The Wexler Team cataloged this variety under Wexler Variety ID: 1952 50¢ WDDO-001, with no additional cross-references from other attribution services. Philadelphia struck approximately 21.27 million Franklin half dollars in 1952, a moderate mintage for the series. As WDDO-001, this represents the first and presumably most significant obverse doubled die documented for the 1952 date, though its close spread designation indicates the primary and secondary impressions nearly overlap. Collectors should locate the die gouge beside the T in TRUST to verify the die, then examine the IGWT letters at 15-20x magnification for the subtle counter-clockwise angular displacement.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1952 50¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References