1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID: 1961 50¢ Pr WDDO-003, this proof Franklin Half Dollar displays Class II distorted hub tripling with a close spread towards the center. The effect is most visible on the L, I, and E of LIBERTY, where three overlapping hub impressions create a distinctive layered appearance. Class II doubling — distorted hub doubling — occurs when the hub face warps slightly under hydraulic pressure between impressions, distorting rather than uniformly displacing the design. Tripling indicates a third impression compounded this displacement. Obverse die markers include a short vertical die gouge to the right of the top of the R in LIBERTY and a small die gouge to the right of the lower R. On the reverse, a small die gouge appears to the right of the bottom of the F in OF. John R. Sinnock's Franklin portrait, introduced in 1948, served as the half dollar obverse through 1963 before being replaced by the Kennedy design. Philadelphia struck all proof Franklin Half Dollars, and the combination of proof surface quality with hub tripling makes this variety especially appealing under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Istvan Henrik Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 50¢ Pr WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References