1964 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-015

Description

One of the most celebrated varieties in modern U.S. numismatics, the 1964 DDO-015 is the famous Accented Hair proof Kennedy half dollar, designated FS-103 by Fivaz and Stanton. Strong spread appears on IBER of LIBERTY and IN, with light spread on GOD and TRUST. The Accented Hair designation (ODV-001) refers to the original obverse hub, which features more pronounced hair strands above Kennedy's ear than the modified design that replaced it during 1964 production. This die is paired with the Straight G reverse (RDV-001), where Frank Gasparro's initial G stands upright rather than flaring outward as on the later RDV-002. Cataloged under UVC-020 / DMR-020, die stages progress from Early Die State (Stage A) through Mid Die State (Stage B, unconfirmed) to Late Die State (Stage C, unconfirmed). The Accented Hair/Straight G combination was used only briefly before the Mint modified both designs, making surviving proof specimens from these early dies scarce relative to overall 1964 proof mintage. FS-103 commands strong premiums across all grade levels, and the variety remains a cornerstone of Kennedy half dollar collecting.

Die Markers

• UVC-020
• DMR-020
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Wishon
• FS-103
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References