1969-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Displaying light triple spread on stars positioned under STATES OF AMERICA with notches visible on nearby letters, this 1969-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof doubled die reverse is attributed as DDR-002 with UVC-324 and DMR-004 cross-references. Three die states have been documented, tracking the progressive deterioration of the doubled reverse die through its working life. The 1969-S was struck in 40% silver clad composition at the San Francisco Mint — the transitional silver alloy used for Kennedy Half Dollars from 1965 through 1970, consisting of an 80% silver / 20% copper outer layer bonded to a 21% silver / 79% copper core. This composition was a compromise during the silver-to-clad transition, providing some precious metal content while reducing silver consumption. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, and the doubling visible on the stars and lettering reflects a misalignment during the hubbing process that created the working die. The reverse die variety designation RDV-003 paired with obverse DOV-002a (a machine-doubled obverse, or MDO) provides complete die marriage documentation. Triple spread — three distinct impressions rather than the typical two — indicates multiple hubbing events with successive misalignments, a less common form of die doubling. Cataloged with comprehensive stage and die pairing data in the VarietyVista system.

Die Markers

• UVC-324
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References