1968-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

VarietyVista cataloged this proof 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar doubled die reverse under UVC-141 and DMR-008, noting it as a proof strike paired with reverse die variant RDV-002. The doubling presents as a medium spread on the stars under UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the stars between the rays and behind the head of the heraldic eagle, with a lighter spread on STATES OF and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Die stage documentation records Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die state (unconfirmed), and Stage C at late die state with a die gouge developing between the lower F of OF and the A of AMERICA while the obverse transitions to late die state. The 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in the distinctive 40% silver-clad composition used from 1965 through 1970, a transitional period when Congress had authorized reduced silver content to combat the coin shortage caused by silver hoarding. San Francisco struck proof issues in this composition for collector sets, and the detailed heraldic eagle reverse designed by Frank Gasparro — with its stars, rays, arrows, olive branch, and shield — provided numerous fine elements where doubled die effects become visible. Stars are particularly effective doubled die diagnostic points because their sharp points amplify even subtle offset between hub impressions.

Die Markers

• UVC-141
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die gouge between lower F of OF and A of AMERICA – LDS
• Obverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References