1973-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Third cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar in the VarietyVista system, DDO-003 displays a light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST — a subtle but genuine hub doubling feature that requires careful examination to confirm. The variety carries Universal Variety Code UVC-211 and Die Marriage Reference DMR-004, with three documented die states: Stage A (EDS) is unconfirmed, Stage B (MDS) is identified by a small die gouge to the left of the left leg of the R of DOLLAR on the reverse alongside MDS obverse characteristics, and Stage C (LDS) remains unconfirmed. The comment that the "Mintmark is higher than on DDO-004" provides a crucial comparative diagnostic — collectors can distinguish DDO-003 from the next sequential variety by the relative vertical position of the D mintmark, a secondary attribution feature that supplements the primary doubling characteristics. The additional note "Can be found in Mint Sets" directs collectors to the 1973 uncirculated Mint Sets as a source for well-preserved specimens. The 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar was produced at Denver during a period when half dollars saw declining circulation use but maintained collector demand through Mint Set distribution. Gilroy Roberts's Kennedy portrait, with its intricate hair detail and bold LIBERTY inscription, provides multiple diagnostic zones where even light hub doubling can be detected by experienced variety specialists. Three cataloged doubled die obverses for the 1973-D date represents a modest variety count for this denomination, consistent with the lower production volumes that characterized Kennedy Half Dollars in the mid-1970s compared to the enormous mintages of the silver years.

Die Markers

• UVC-211
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Small die gouge Left of the Left leg of the R of DOLLAR – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References