1971-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-012

Description

Twelfth in the doubled die obverse sequence for the 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof, this variety exhibits light spread on the last digit 1 of the date, WE TRUST, and TY of LIBERTY — a distribution of doubling across multiple design elements that aids attribution. Three die states have been documented, with Stage C showing characteristic abrading on IN GOD and the first digit 1, indicating significant die deterioration in the later stages of this die's working life. The obverse die variety is designated ODV-003 in the VarietyVista classification system, with UVC-192 and DMR-014 cross-references providing multiple attribution pathways. As a proof issue, this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. The 1971-S proof half dollar represents the first year of exclusively copper-nickel clad composition for proof Kennedy Halves — the 40% silver proof composition used from 1968 through 1970 was discontinued, making 1971-S the beginning of the clad proof era. Twelve doubled die obverses documented for a single proof date reflects the intensity of research applied to Kennedy Half Dollar proof issues. The stage progression from early through Stage C provides collectors the opportunity to assemble a deterioration set showing the die's condition at multiple points in its working life.

Die Markers

• UVC-192
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Thin letters of IN GOD and first 1 of date from abrading� LDS
• Reverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References