1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-801 in the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypickers' Guide, this 1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollar DDR-001 is the primary doubled die reverse cataloged for the date and one of the more significant Franklin Half varieties. The reverse die is identified as RDV-002, with die codes UVC-094 and DMR-008. Strong extra thickness is visible on all reverse lettering, with notable separation on the bell hanger, the eagle device, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Three die stages have been documented from early die state through mid-die state to late die state. The strong doubling with visible separation, particularly on the bell hanger and eagle, places this among the more dramatic Franklin Half doubled die reverses. As a Type 1 proof issue, specimens were struck with specially prepared dies on polished planchets, giving the doubling a crisp appearance that makes detection easier than on business strikes. The FS-801 listing in the Cherrypickers' Guide confirms this as a widely recognized variety with established collector demand, and its status as DDR-001 indicates it was the first doubled die reverse cataloged for the 1956 Proof Franklin Half.

Die Markers

• UVC-094
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ed Raser
• FS-801
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References