1970-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Bearing the lowest DDR number among the multiple 1970-S proof Kennedy half dollar reverse varieties yet cataloged, WDDR-002 was attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1970-S 50c Pr WDDR-002. The 1970-S proof half dollar occupies a historically significant position as the final year that proof Kennedy halves were struck in the 40% silver-clad composition — a bonded sandwich of 80% silver/20% copper outer layers over a 20.9% silver core — before the complete transition to copper-nickel clad for 1971. San Francisco's 1970 proof set production of 2,632,810 sets represents the pool from which WDDR-002 specimens originate, and the relatively modest proof mintage compared to later years means that confirmed examples of any specific DDR carry an inherent scarcity factor. Frank Gasparro's reverse, adapted from the Presidential Seal, features the heraldic eagle with spread wings clutching the olive branch of peace and arrows of defense, all beneath the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on a flowing ribbon. The intricate feather detailing on the eagle's breast and wing tips provides some of the most productive detection zones for reverse hub doubling on Kennedy halves, as even subtle misalignment creates visible contour shifts along the tightly spaced feather barbs. Proof dies at San Francisco underwent chrome plating and careful polishing to achieve the mirror-field finish expected by collectors, and the additional handling steps in proof die preparation may have introduced alignment variables that contributed to the multiple DDR listings documented for this date.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 50¢ Pr WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References