1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

The 1961 Proof WDDR-003 is a doubled die reverse variety on the Philadelphia Mint Proof Franklin Half Dollar, attributed by John A. Wexler. The reverse displays a Class II spread toward the center on USA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR, with the strongest doubling concentrated on the left half of the reverse. Class II doubling results from a rotational hub misalignment producing a pivot-point spread that intensifies with distance from the axis of rotation — explaining why the left side shows more pronounced doubling than elements closer to the design center. No significant die markers were noted beyond the doubling itself. This variety is cross-referenced across multiple services: CONECA catalogs it as 4-R-II, the Cherrypickers' Guide lists it as FS-50-1961-803, and the Flynn Doubled Die Files record it as DDR-002. The multi-service recognition confirms this as a significant variety. The 1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar was among the final Proof issues before the series ended in 1963, and doubled die varieties on these late-date Proofs attract collectors who appreciate the combination of mirror-finish presentation with genuine hub doubling.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Donald Yerxa Cross References: CONECA: 4-R-II, Cherrypickers: FS-50-1961-803, Flynn: DDR-002
• CONECA: 4-R-II, Cherrypickers: FS-50-1961-803, Flynn: DDR-002; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 50¢ Pr WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References