1963 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-012

Description

Light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED, and AMERICA, along with doubling on the eagle's tail feathers, marks this 1963 Proof Franklin Half Dollar as DDR-012 in the VarietyVista catalog with die markers UVC-227 and DMR-032. Franklin half dollars were struck in 90% silver, and their proof versions — produced at Philadelphia through the final year of the series in 1963 — are avidly collected for both type and variety. A specific reverse marker provides precise stage identification: a die gouge (dot) on the rim below the G of GOD during early die state, adjacent to the rim and easy to locate under low magnification. Die stages progress through early die state, mid-die state, and late die state as documented for both faces. The light spread across the E PLURIBUS UNUM arc is best examined on the proof's mirror fields, where even subtle letter stem displacement becomes apparent under raking light. The eagle's tail feather doubling serves as a secondary confirmation point below the main design. Collectors seeking DDR-012 in 1963 Proof sets should focus first on the horizontal inscription bands, then confirm with the rim dot diagnostic and tail feather examination.

Die Markers

• UVC-227
• DMR-032
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Die gouge dot on rim below G of GOD – EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References