1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-020

Description

Documented by VarietyVista, this 1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar bears the 20th cataloged doubled die obverse for the date, reflecting an unusually prolific DDO population generated during proof die preparation at the Philadelphia Mint. Hub doubling occurs when the hub and working die are imperfectly aligned between successive impressions during the multi-impression hubbing process. Die markers UVC-295 / DMR-033 track three stages: Stage A with obverse and reverse at EDS; Stage B at MDS (unconfirmed); Stage C at LDS (unconfirmed). Designed by John R. Sinnock with Benjamin Franklin's portrait on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 12.50 grams and 30.6 mm. As a proof issue, this DDO variety occurred during the more carefully controlled proof die manufacturing process, making hub misalignment particularly noteworthy.

Die Markers

• UVC-295
• DMR-033
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Charles Bathman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References