1971-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide as FS-50-1971D-101 and cross-referenced as CONECA 4-O-V, WDDO-004 on the 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar exhibits a counterclockwise spread from a pivot point near 10:00 visible on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, ERTY of LIBERTY, and the hair detail of Kennedy's portrait. This is a combination doubled die — the reverse of this same die pair is independently cataloged as 1971-D WDDR-001, meaning coins from this pairing display hub doubling on both sides. The Cherrypickers listing underscores its desirability among variety collectors. Struck in copper-nickel clad composition — the standard for Kennedy Half Dollars from 1971 onward after the 40% silver alloy was discontinued — this variety was attributed by the Wexler Team. Combo doubled die pairs are among the most sought-after die varieties because they deliver two distinct attributable errors on every coin struck from the pairing, and the 1971-D DDO-004/DDR-001 combination is one of the better-known examples in the Kennedy series. Die Markers: Obverse: X-shaped die scratches midway up back of nose. Diagonal die scratch midway between eyebrow and hair west of eyebrow. Reverse: Reverse is WDDR-001, extra thickness and some notching shows on all stars around the reverse strongest between 2:00 and 6:00. Die scratch SW from star between L and A in DOLLAR.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Fivaz Cross References: Cherrypickers: FS-50-1971D-101, CONECA: 4-O-V
• Cherrypickers: FS-50-1971D-101, CONECA: 4-O-V; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-D 50¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References