1958 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Showing light extra thickness on LIBERTY, DDO-001 on the 1958 Philadelphia Franklin Half Dollar represents a subtle hub doubling on one of the most beloved mid-century American coin designs. John R. Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963) features Benjamin Franklin's portrait facing right with LIBERTY arched above — the area where this variety's extra thickness manifests. The near-coincident hub doubling broadened the letter strokes rather than producing clearly separated images, requiring magnification and angled lighting to detect the enlarged letter profiles. The 1958 half dollar was struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams, and as DDO-001 it holds baseline significance for Franklin Half Dollar variety collectors. The series lasted only sixteen years before the Kennedy Half Dollar replaced it in 1964, and Franklin varieties have developed a strong following as collectors recognized the short production span created a manageable scope for comprehensive study.

External References