1957 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

John R. Sinnock's Franklin half dollar reverse features the Liberty Bell with a small eagle to its right, and DDR-002 on the 1957 Philadelphia issue documents medium extra thickness on OF AMERICA, the left tail feathers, and the talons of the eagle, with quadrupled letter strokes visible on the lower right corner of the last A in AMERICA. The quad effect on the terminal A indicates the die received at least four hub impressions in slightly different positions — an unusual multiplicity that exceeds the typical doubled or tripled die classification. Reported by Delma K. Romines, a contributor to the Franklin half dollar die variety census, DDR-002 carries a note that the obverse is LISTED as DDO-002, establishing a cross-listing with a companion obverse doubled die on the same die marriage. Philadelphia produced approximately 5.11 million Franklin half dollars in 1957, all in 90% silver composition. The medium extra thickness designation on OF AMERICA and the eagle's feathers means these design elements appear bolder and heavier than normal die output, while the quadrupled last A presents a more complex diagnostic where multiple letter outlines can be traced under magnification. The left tail feathers and talons, being fine linear elements on the small eagle design, serve as sensitive indicators of any hub displacement. DDR-002 occupies the second position in the 1957 reverse doubled die census, directly following the primary DDR-001 variety.

External References