1964 Variety WMDR-002

Description

Representing the second documented master die doubling on the reverse of the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar, WMDR-002 confirms that the reverse master die experienced more than one hubbing anomaly during production of Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle design. The Wexler Team cataloged this as Wexler Variety ID 1964 50¢ WMDR-002, distinguishing it from WMDR-001 by the specific characteristics and location of the doubling on reverse elements. Master die doubling reverse is among the rarest categories because the master die is the single origin for all downstream tooling — working hubs and working dies alike. Two separate WMDR varieties for the same date suggest the reverse master die underwent multiple hubbing sessions, each introducing a distinct misalignment. The 1964 Kennedy Half's production, driven by the urgency to memorialize President Kennedy after his November 1963 assassination, involved compressed timelines that could have increased the likelihood of such tooling irregularities. All 1964 Kennedy Halves were struck in 90% silver, and the Proof finish provides reflective surfaces that aid in detecting the subtle doubling characteristic of master die varieties.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1964 50¢ WMDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References