1963 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Third in the doubled die obverse catalog for 1963 Franklin Half Dollars, this proof-struck DDO-003 displays medium spread on LIBERTY and light spread on IN GOD. The dual-intensity pattern — medium on LIBERTY at the left side of the obverse and light on IN GOD at the top — reflects the geometry of hub displacement, where design elements at different distances from the axis of misalignment receive varying degrees of secondary impression. As a proof coin in the final year of the Franklin Half Dollar series (Kennedy would replace Franklin in 1964), this variety occupies a historically significant position. Three die stages are documented under catalog codes UVC-200 and DMR-005. Stage A places both the obverse and reverse in early die state, confirming the doubling was present from the die's initial proof production. Stage B at mid-die state remains unconfirmed. Stage C at late die state is also unconfirmed, suggesting documented specimens cluster in the early production window. The 1963 proof Franklin Half was struck in 90% silver at Philadelphia. Cataloged by VarietyVista, DDO-003 rewards examination of LIBERTY for the more prominent medium spread and IN GOD for the subtler light spread, using the proof's mirrored fields to enhance detection.

Die Markers

• UVC-200
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Pete Huddell
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References