1970-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-157 and DMR-006, this 1970 Denver Mint Kennedy Half Dollar shows light spread on the stars beneath UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the doubling increasing in a clockwise direction — a spread pattern indicating pivoted hub doubling where the second impression rotated slightly relative to the first. The die progressed through three notable stages: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed); Stage B at mid-die state showing vertical die gouges in front of Kennedy's eye on the obverse while the reverse reaches mid-die state; and Stage C reaching late die state with strong die clash marks visible on both the reverse and obverse, indicating the dies struck each other without a planchet at some point during their working life. This variety can be found in 1970 Mint Sets, and the reverse die is identified as RDV-002, known as the "Flared G" variety for its distinctive G letter style in the designer's initials. The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was produced in 40% silver-clad composition — the final year of silver content in circulation-strike half dollars — and was distributed exclusively through Mint Sets rather than general circulation, as half dollars had been hoarded by the public since the series began in 1964. The clockwise progression of doubling intensity across the stars provides a clear directional diagnostic for attribution, while the Flared G reverse die variety adds a secondary identification point.

Die Markers

• UVC-157
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Vertical die gouges in front of eye – MDS
• Stage C:
• Strong die clash on Reverse and Obverse – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References