1963 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-022

Description

From the final year of the Franklin Half Dollar series, this 1963 Proof doubled die obverse is documented by VarietyVista under UVC-232 and DMR-037. Three die stages have been cataloged: Stage A with both obverse and reverse in early die state, Stage B in mid die state, and Stage C in late die state — providing collectors the opportunity to trace this die pair's progression from fresh to worn. As a proof issue struck at Philadelphia on 90% silver planchets, the coin displays the mirror-finish fields and sharply struck devices characteristic of the Mint's proof production program. The 1963 date carries terminal-year significance for the Franklin Half Dollar series — John R. Sinnock's design featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse would be replaced in 1964 by the Kennedy Half Dollar following President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. This makes 1963 proof Franklin varieties the last of their kind, a distinction that adds historical weight to any die variety from the date and enhances collector interest beyond the doubling characteristics alone.

Die Markers

• UVC-232
• DMR-037
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Dennis Lindsey
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References