1962 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as the first doubled die obverse for the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar, this variety displays medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and light spread on the numeral 2 of the date. Die markers UVC-186 and DMR-003 identify the specific die, with die state tracking showing Stage A at Early Die State for both obverse and reverse, and Stages B and C (Mid and Late Die State respectively) remaining unconfirmed. The Franklin Half Dollar series, designed by John R. Sinnock and struck from 1948 through 1963, represents the last U.S. half dollar type before the Kennedy design replaced it in 1964 following President Kennedy's assassination. The 1962 date falls in the penultimate year of the series, making die varieties from this date terminal-era collectibles. Medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST indicates the hub displacement was sufficient to produce visible offset lettering detectable under moderate magnification, while light spread on the 2 of the date suggests the displacement's effect diminished toward the periphery of the design. Franklin Half Dollars were struck in 90% silver composition at both Philadelphia and Denver, with proof issues from Philadelphia. As DDO-001 — the first in the catalog — this variety likely represents either the most prominent or the first-discovered doubled die obverse for the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar, establishing the baseline entry for die variety research on this late-series date.

Die Markers

• UVC-186
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Wishon
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References