1971-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-406 and DMR-024, this proof 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar doubled die reverse displays a light spread on STATES OF AMERICA, the stars beneath those letters, and the arrow shafts in the heraldic eagle's talons. The obverse is paired with ODV-003, indicating a specific obverse die variety used in combination with this doubled reverse. Die stage documentation records Stage A with a small die gouge on the rim above the right side of the last T of STATES in early die state, while the obverse is also in early die state. Stage B shows both the reverse and obverse at mid-die state, progressing to late die state in Stage C. As a proof issue struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin was produced using specially prepared polished dies and planchets, struck multiple times for maximum detail — conditions that paradoxically make doubled die features more visible due to the sharper strike. The 1971-S proof half dollar belongs to the first year of the copper-nickel clad proof Kennedy series, after the 40% silver composition was discontinued for regular issues. Light doubling on the stars and arrow shafts indicates a subtle hub misalignment during the preparation of the proof reverse die.

Die Markers

• UVC-406
• DMR-024
• Stage A:
• Small die gouge on rim above the Right side of the last T of STATES – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References