1964-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1964-D 50¢ WDDO-008 with no additional cross-references currently known, this Kennedy Half Dollar displays a counterclockwise spread from a pivot at approximately 10 o'clock visible on the TY of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, the designer's initials, and the hair on the back of Kennedy's head. The CCW rotation from a 10 o'clock pivot produces maximum displacement on design elements furthest from the pivot point — particularly LIBERTY and the date at the bottom of the coin — while elements near the upper left pivot show minimal separation. Obverse die markers include a small die gouge north of the right side of the U in TRUST and strong, nearly horizontal die scratches to the left of the upper B in LIBERTY. The reverse carries a flanged G in the FG (Frank Gasparro's) initials, several southwest-to-northeast die scratches above the D mintmark, and numerous north-south die scratches running through the AM in AMERICA — an extensive marker constellation that comprehensively fingerprints this specific reverse die. The 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar holds extraordinary significance as the first year of the series, introduced to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in November 1963. Struck at the Denver Mint in 90% silver composition (the only year Kennedy halves were struck in 90% silver for circulation), the coin weighs 12.50 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter. Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse portrait while Frank Gasparro designed the presidential seal reverse. The 1964-D had a massive mintage driven by intense public demand for the memorial coin, creating a large working die population from which hub doubling events like this WDDO-008 could emerge.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1964-D 50¢ WDDO-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References