1971-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-184 and DMR-006 and cross-referenced as FS-101 (Fivaz-Stanton), the 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar DDO-004 is a proof variety exhibiting strong spread on WE TRUST and the last digit 1 of the date, with light spread on IN GOD and ERTY of LIBERTY. The FS-101 designation places this as the primary Fivaz-Stanton listed variety for the 1971-S proof half dollar, indicating recognized significance in the broader numismatic reference literature. The obverse die is designated ODV-002 (Obverse Die Variety 002). Three die stages are tracked: Stage A shows a die gouge in the hair just to the left of the E of LIBERTY in early die state with the reverse also in EDS, Stage B is mid-die state (unconfirmed), and Stage C is late die state where the upper serif of the first 1 in the date has been abraded away with the reverse also in LDS. The graduated intensity — strong on WE TRUST and the terminal 1, light on IN GOD and ERTY — maps the displacement vector across the die face, with maximum offset at the right side of the motto and diminishing effect moving leftward. Gilroy Roberts' Kennedy portrait was struck on polished proof planchets at the San Francisco Mint in 40% silver clad composition (outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper), weighing 11.50 grams at 30.6 mm diameter. The strong spread on WE TRUST makes this variety visible under low magnification on proof surfaces.

Die Markers

• UVC-184
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Die gouge in hair just to the Left of the E of LIBERTY – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Upper serif of first 1 of date abraded away – LDS
• Reverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Richard Pawley
• FS-101
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References