1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1960 50-cent Proof WDDO-011, this Franklin half dollar proof variety presents a close spread towards the center visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. Notably, this obverse die was paired with a reverse die that is itself a doubled die, cataloged separately as 1960 50-cent Proof WDDR-008, creating a coin that carries doubled die characteristics on both sides — an uncommon combination that significantly enhances collector interest. The reverse doubling shows a close spread towards the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED, accompanied by die pitting on the top of the C and the right side of the second A in AMERICA. No other significant obverse die markers were noted. The Franklin half dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock, featuring Benjamin Franklin's portrait on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 12.5 grams with a diameter of 30.6 mm. The 1960 proof issue was produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a proof mintage of approximately 1.69 million pieces. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on polished planchets using specially prepared dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that make the close centered doubling on both LIBERTY and the date more readily visible against the reflective surfaces. The dual doubled die nature of this coin — both obverse WDDO-011 and reverse WDDR-008 — makes it a priority acquisition for Franklin half dollar variety specialists seeking die marriages with complementary anomalies on both faces.

Attribution History

• s:; Wexler Variety ID: 1960 50¢ Pr WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References