1966 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-006

Description

Struck as a Special Mint Set issue during the 1965-1967 hiatus in proof coin production, this doubled die reverse displays light spread on the stars and letters of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar was produced in 40% silver clad composition — a transitional alloy that replaced the 90% silver used in 1964 — and carried a distinctive satin-like finish intended as a substitute for the suspended proof program. DDR-006 is cataloged by VarietyVista with die marker references UVC-357 and DMR-035. Three die stages are documented: Stage A with obverse and reverse in Early Die State, Stage B with reverse and obverse in Mid Die State, and Stage C with both in Late Die State. This progression reveals the die pair's full working life from fresh to fatigued. The SMS designation means this variety exists only within Special Mint Set packaging, as no business strikes or proofs were produced in 1966. Collectors seeking SMS doubled dies face the inherent limitation of a single distribution channel, making confirmed examples less frequently encountered than varieties from normal production years.

Die Markers

• UVC-357
• DMR-035
• Stage A:
• Die gouge Left of the upper F of OF – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References