1964 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDR-001 with UVC-016 and DMR-001, this 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver doubled die reverse presents a strong spread visible on STATES OF AMERICA and light spread on HALF DOLLAR. The variety is documented across three die stages: Stage A in EDS (Early Die State) remains unconfirmed, Stage B in MDS (Mid Die State) shows the obverse in MDS condition, and Stage C in LDS (Late Die State) with the reverse showing die clash marks in front of the eagle and the obverse also in LDS. The die clash marks appearing in front of the eagle in Stage C provide both additional visual interest and a useful die-state diagnostic — collectors can determine whether their specimen was struck earlier or later in the die's life by the presence or absence of these clash marks. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar holds unique significance as the inaugural year of the series, introduced just months after President John F. Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. This first-year issue was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper composition, weighing 12.5 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter — the last year half dollars were produced in the traditional silver alloy before the transition to 40% silver clad in 1965. Gilberto Proctor Roberts designed the obverse portrait based on a profile prepared for the Presidential Medal series, while Frank Gasparro adapted the Presidential Seal for the reverse. Public demand for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was extraordinary, with Philadelphia and Denver producing over 400 million coins combined. Despite this massive mintage, DDR-001 remains a notable variety, and the strong spread on STATES OF AMERICA serves as the primary pick-up point for cherry-pickers examining rolls and bags from this issue.

Die Markers

• UVC-031
• DMR-031
• Stage A:
• Reverse and and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• FS-801
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References