1971-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-012

Description

Displaying medium spread on LIBERTY and the upper hair with light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date, this twelfth doubled die obverse for the 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar documents a multi-zone hubbing error on the first Denver Mint clad-composition Kennedy Half. Die markers include UVC-421 and DMR-017, with Stage A at Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B showing the obverse at Mid Die State paired with a reverse listed as DDR-006, and Stage C with both obverse and reverse in Late Die State. The reverse pairing with DDR-006 means that the same working die pair that produced this DDO-012 also exhibited a doubled die reverse — a DDO/DDR combination that collectors prize as dual-variety coins. The comments note this is obverse die variety ODV-003, providing an additional layer of attribution within the VarietyVista classification system. The 1971-D was a transitional date for the Kennedy Half series — the first year of full clad composition at Denver after the silver-clad 1965-1970 issues — struck in a mintage of approximately 302 million pieces. Twelve documented doubled die obverse varieties reflects the intense scrutiny this date has received from Kennedy Half specialists. Cataloged by VarietyVista, DDO-012 rewards attentive collectors who can identify the medium spread on LIBERTY and upper hair that distinguishes it from the eleven other documented DDO varieties on the 1971-D.

Die Markers

• UVC-421
• DMR-017
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Reverse is LISTED as DDR-006 – MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael Taw
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References