1966 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Produced during the transitional era when the United States Mint eliminated mint marks from all coinage, this 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar carries a doubled die obverse cataloged by the Wexler Team as WDDO-010. The 1966 issue was struck in 40% silver clad composition, reduced from the 90% silver standard used through 1964, as rising silver prices forced the Mint to conserve precious metal content. Because no mint marks appeared on coins dated 1965 through 1967, all examples originate from either Philadelphia or Denver without external distinction, adding an element of mystery to die variety attribution. A misalignment during the hub-to-die transfer process created visible doubling on the obverse design elements of John R. Sinisgalli's adaptation of Gilroy Roberts's Kennedy portrait. WDDO-010 is one of three doubled die obverse varieties documented for the 1966 date, alongside WDDO-011 and WDDO-012, each representing a distinct die pair. Collectors examining 40% silver Kennedy halves from this period should inspect the obverse lettering and portrait details under magnification to identify the characteristic spread that distinguishes this variety.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1966 50¢ WDDO-010
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References