1969-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-008

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with technical data UVC-416 and DMR-014, this eighth doubled die reverse for the 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar displays medium spread across an extensive range of reverse design elements: all letters around the rim, all stars, and the upper rays of the heraldic eagle design. Three die stages are documented: Stage A in Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B in Mid Die State with a diagnostic die gouge developing from the rim above the left side of the second T in STATES on the reverse while the obverse reaches Mid Die State, and Stage C in Late Die State (unconfirmed). The comments record dual attributions: RDV-003 for the reverse die variety and ODV-002a for the obverse die variety, with the notation "MDO" indicating Master Die Obverse characteristics — suggesting the obverse die may carry doubling from the master die level. The 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Denver Mint in the silver clad composition (40% silver outer layers bonded to a copper core), the final composition change before the transition to base-metal clad in 1971. The medium spread affecting all stars on the reverse is particularly notable, as the heraldic eagle design features thirteen stars arranged between the eagle's rays, and hub doubling that affects all thirteen stars produces a visually striking pattern of secondary outlines surrounding each star. Frank Gasparro's reverse design, with its constellation of stars, radiant rays, and detailed lettering, provides one of the richest canvases for hub doubling documentation in mid-century American coinage.

Die Markers

• UVC-416
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge from the rim above the Left side of the second T of STATES – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ken Glickman
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References