1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Displaying a Class I counterclockwise spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, LIBERTY, upper hair details, the profile below the nose, and the front of the neck, this 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar represents one of the more comprehensive doubled die obverses in the clad half dollar series. The counterclockwise rotational spread affects an unusually wide range of design elements — from the motto and date at the periphery to the fine portrait details of JFK's hair and facial profile — indicating a substantial rotational displacement between hub impressions. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1972-D 50c WDDO-001 with no other known cross-references, this is the primary doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1972 Denver Mint half. Obverse die markers include a short vertical die scratch to the left of the R in LIBERTY and a diagonal die scratch below the N of IN. No reverse markers have been noted. The 1972-D half dollar belongs to the first full decade of copper-nickel clad Kennedy Half production at Denver, a period when half dollars were still produced in significant quantities for general circulation. Gilroy Roberts' portrait of President Kennedy shows the fine detail — hair texture, facial contours — that makes doubled die varieties on this design particularly diagnostic and visually striking.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Jencek Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-D 50¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References