1964 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-027

Description

Documented as a proof striking with the celebrated Accented Hair obverse paired with the Straight G reverse, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO-027 displays medium spread on the date, Y of LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The VarietyVista system records UVC-339 and DMR-042, with three die states: Stage A shows obverse and reverse in EDS, Stage B documents a light die crack through the upper I of LIBERTY at MDS with the reverse also at MDS, and Stage C remains unconfirmed at LDS. The Stage B die crack provides a useful secondary attribution marker that develops as the die deteriorates. The ODV-001 (Accented Hair) / RDV-001 (Straight G) die marriage designation places this variety among the most sought-after 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar configurations. The Accented Hair variety features more prominent hair detail above Kennedy's ear — the result of using an early-stage obverse hub before Gilroy Roberts modified the design to reduce the hair emphasis. The Straight G refers to a reverse die variety where the G in the designer's initials (FG for Frank Gasparro) appears straight rather than tilted. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the inaugural issue of the series, rushed into production following President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963, and struck in 90% silver. Twenty-seven doubled die obverses for the 1964 proof date demonstrates the exceptional depth of research applied to these emotionally significant, historically important coins. The intersection of Accented Hair status with medium-spread hub doubling on a silver proof makes DDO-027 a multi-layered variety that appeals to Kennedy Half specialists, doubled die collectors, and proof enthusiasts simultaneously.

Die Markers

• UVC-339
• DMR-042
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Light die crack through upper I of LIBERTY – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References