1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

The Wexler Variety ID 1971-S 50¢ Pr WDDO-012 identifies this doubled die obverse on a 1971-S proof Kennedy half dollar from the San Francisco Mint. Among the extensive family of doubled die obverse varieties cataloged for the 1971-S proof half dollar, WDDO-012 occupies a distinctive position with its own unique combination of doubling spread, direction, and affected design elements. The 1971-S proof Kennedy half dollar was struck in copper-nickel clad composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel outer layers over a pure copper core — weighing 11.34 grams at a 30.6 mm diameter. Proof production at San Francisco involved feeding individually polished planchets into presses equipped with specially prepared dies, and each die pair produced thousands of proof coins before replacement. When a doubled die entered production, every coin struck from that die carried the same doubling characteristics, creating a die variety rather than a striking error. The Kennedy Half Dollars Clad and Silver Proof 1971 to Date series has been continuously produced for over five decades, but the early 1970s proof issues remain the most variety-rich period. Roberts' obverse portrait presents multiple areas where doubling can manifest: the hair detail, the truncation of the bust, the date digits, IN GOD WE TRUST, and LIBERTY all serve as potential pickup points. Accurate attribution of WDDO-012 requires matching specific die markers and doubling characteristics against the Wexler reference listings.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S 50¢ Pr WDDO-012
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References