1972-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Carrying the Wexler designation 1972-S 50¢ Pr WDDO-001, this is the premier doubled die obverse variety cataloged for the 1972-S proof Kennedy half dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint. The WDDO-001 designation indicates this was the first doubled die obverse discovered and listed for the 1972-S date, typically suggesting it displays the strongest or most readily identifiable doubling among all cataloged varieties for that year. The 1972-S proof half dollar was produced in the copper-nickel clad composition at 11.34 grams and 30.6 mm, continuing the clad proof production that began in 1971 after the elimination of 40% silver business strike half dollars. San Francisco produced 3,260,996 proof sets in 1972, a slight increase over 1971's output. As the Kennedy Half Dollars Clad and Silver Proof 1971 to Date series continued, the San Francisco Mint refined its proof production but remained susceptible to occasional hub misalignment during die preparation. The designation as WDDO-001 carries significance for variety collectors, as the lowest-numbered variety in any Wexler series is often the most sought-after and typically commands the highest premium. Gilroy Roberts' Kennedy portrait and the associated obverse legends provide the design elements upon which this variety's doubling manifests. Collectors who have thoroughly searched 1971-S proof half dollars for the many varieties available on that date often naturally extend their search to the 1972-S issue, where WDDO-001 represents the prime target.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S 50¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References