1971-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-008

Description

Eighth in the reverse doubled die census for the 1971-S proof Kennedy half dollar, DDR-008 presents light spread across UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the surrounding stars, with light notches visible on HALF DOLLAR. VarietyVista assigned die identifiers UVC-327 and DMR-031, documenting three die stages that chart the die's progression from early through late service. The comments note this is a proof issue struck with Obverse Design Variant ODV-003, placing it within a specific hub lineage for the Kennedy half dollar proof die preparation. San Francisco's proof production in 1971 marked the beginning of the copper-nickel clad proof era for Kennedy half dollars, as the 40% silver-clad composition used for proof halves from 1965-1970 was discontinued in favor of the standard clad composition for regular proof sets. Gilroy Roberts' obverse portrait of President Kennedy pairs with Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle reverse, where the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscription arcs around the upper periphery and HALF DOLLAR appears below the eagle — the locations where DDR-008's light spread and notching are visible. The light spread classification indicates the secondary hub impression is closely displaced from the primary design, requiring higher magnification (typically 15-20x) to clearly resolve the doubled image compared to medium or strong spread varieties that may be visible at lower magnification. Notching on HALF DOLLAR refers to visible separation lines or steps in the letter strokes where the secondary impression creates shelf-like disturbances along the letter edges. Three documented die stages allow collectors to assess their specimen's die state by comparing surface condition, die crack development, and the overall sharpness of design elements against stage-specific reference information. DDR-008 at position eight in the census demonstrates the depth of doubled die documentation for the 1971-S proof Kennedy series.

Die Markers

• UVC-327
• DMR-031
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References