1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-015

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with markers UVC-178 and DMR-026, this doubled die obverse appears on the 1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar. The primary doubling is a medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date, with a light spread on LIBERTY. The Franklin Half Dollar, designed by John R. Sinnock and struck in 90% silver from 1948 through 1963, was produced as a proof at Philadelphia in mirror-finish quality. The polished proof surfaces make hub doubling on the motto and date particularly visible under oblique lighting. Die stage documentation covers three stages. Stage A is unconfirmed in early die state. Stage B is confirmed by a die gouge on the trunk of the bust west of the designer's initials, and the reverse in mid-die state. Stage C transitions to late die state, marked by a light die crack running down the first T of TRUST to the rim, and late die state on the reverse. The die crack across TRUST illustrates the aging process across the proof production run. Proof Franklin Half Dollars from the early 1960s are well preserved in original sets, making die stage attribution accessible across a generous surviving population.

Die Markers

• UVC-178
• DMR-026
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge on trunk of bust West of designer's initials – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Light die crack down first T of TRUST to rim – LDS
• Reverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by David Bowman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References