1969-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-014

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with an unusually complex die marker history spanning two obverse die pairings, this 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar DDR-014 displays light spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the stars under those letters, with rotation on HALF DOLLAR, the stars above, and the designer's initials FG (Frank Gasparro). The commentary identifies this as die variety RDV-003/ODV-002a (MDO). The die staging spans two separate universal variety codes: UVC-223 with DMR-022 covers Stages A and B, while UVC-598 with DMR-024 covers Stage C after an obverse die change. Stage A is early die state with a small die gouge next to the rim west of the first S of STATES on the reverse and the obverse also in EDS. Stage B advances to mid-die-state with the reverse in MDS and a strong north-south die scratch developing between GOD and the bust on the obverse. Stage C documents the reverse paired with a different obverse die (now in EDS) with the original die gouge west of the first S of STATES becoming very weak at this late die state — demonstrating how the die gouge marker that was prominent in Stage A has been worn nearly smooth by the die's extensive use. The Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Denver Mint in 1969 in 40% silver clad composition (outer layers of 80% silver/20% copper over a 21% silver/79% copper core), weighing approximately 11.50 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter. Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse portrait and Frank Gasparro designed the presidential seal reverse. The obverse die change between Stages B and C is a critical attribution detail, as it demonstrates the Mint's practice of continuing to use a productive reverse die by pairing it with successive obverse dies as each obverse wore out.

Die Markers

• UVC-223
• DMR-022
• Stage A:
• Small die gouge next to the rim West of the first S of STATES – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Strong die scratch North-South between GOD and bust – MDS
• UVC-598
• DMR-024
• Stage C:
• Die gouge West of the first S of STATES is very weak – LDS
• Obverse die changed – EDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Larry Nienaber
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References