1964-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDO-008 with die marker code UVC-048 and DMR-010, this doubled die obverse variety appears on a 1964-D Kennedy half dollar struck at the Denver Mint in the original 90% silver composition. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), weighs 12.5 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter and a reeded edge. The 1964-D holds the distinction of having the highest mintage of any 90% silver half dollar at 156,205,446 pieces, as the public rushed to acquire the new Kennedy design introduced that year following President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. Cross-referenced as FS-108, the Cherrypickers guide listing confirms this as a significant variety within the mainstream collecting community. The doubling shows a medium spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and the hair detail under the R of LIBERTY, with a particularly notable triple spread on the TY of LIBERTY. Triple spreading indicates at least three hub impressions created detectable displacement, producing a more complex doubling pattern than the standard two-impression doubled die. Die markers at Stage A include a light die scratch extending south from just east of the tip of the nose in early mid-die state, a die gouge on the lower 1 of the date, and an early mid-die state reverse. The reverse die is identified as RDV-002, known as the "Flared G" reverse design variety, where the G in the motto takes a distinctively wider form. The combination of DDO-008 with the Flared G reverse variety makes this die pairing doubly collectible, as specimens exhibit a documented variety on both sides. The FS-108 designation and the visual appeal of triple spreading on LIBERTY make this one of the more desirable doubled die varieties in the 1964-D Kennedy half dollar census, a date already prized for its silver content and historical significance.

Die Markers

• UVC-048
• DMR-010
• Stage A:
• Light die scratch South from just East of the tip of the nose – EMDS
• Die gouge on lower 1 of date
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Wishon
• FS-108
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References