1973-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Bearing the primary Wexler DDO designation for the 1973-S proof Kennedy Half Dollar, WDDO-001 displays counterclockwise spread from a pivot at approximately 2 o'clock, visible on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date. This Class V pivoted hub doubling places the rotation center in the upper-right quadrant of Gilroy Roberts's obverse portrait, directing maximum CCW displacement toward the lower-left where the date and portions of IGWT reside. Elements closer to the 2 o'clock pivot received less angular offset, while those farther away registered progressively stronger displacement. A notable die marker accompanies this variety: a long, curving die scratch runs north-to-south on Kennedy's cheek, providing an independent attribution checkpoint clearly visible under low magnification. This scratch serves as a fingerprint for the specific working die. As a proof struck at the San Francisco Mint on polished planchets in copper-nickel clad composition, mirror-like fields enhance detection of both the CCW spread and the cheek scratch. Examine IGWT and the date under 5x to 7x magnification for the CCW displacement, then verify the curving die scratch on the cheek.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Not noted Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1973-S 50¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References