1976-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

Struck as a silver proof at the San Francisco Mint for the nation's Bicentennial celebration, this third doubled die reverse for the 1976-S Bicentennial coinage carries VarietyVista codes UVC-094 and DMR-008 and displays a remarkable light triple spread on the AR of DOLLAR alongside double spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM, DOLL of DOLLAR, the star, and OF AMERICA. Triple spreading — where three distinct hub impressions are visible rather than the usual two — indicates that the die received at least three separate hub impressions with slight misalignments between each, an uncommon occurrence that elevates DDR-003 above typical doubled dies in diagnostic complexity. The obverse die is identified as ODV-008 and the reverse as RDV-004, establishing a specific die marriage for this silver proof variety. Die stage tracking shows Stage A at Early Die State unconfirmed, Stage B with reverse and obverse at Mid-Die State, and Stage C at Late Die State unconfirmed. The 1976-S Bicentennial coinage featured Dennis R. Williams's Independence Hall reverse on the half dollar — the special commemorative design that replaced the regular reverse for the Bicentennial celebration spanning 1975-1976 production. Silver proof versions were struck in 40% silver composition exclusively at San Francisco, while copper-nickel clad versions served circulation and standard proof set needs. A triple-spread silver proof doubled die from the Bicentennial series combines commemorative significance, precious metal content, proof surface quality, and an unusually complex die variety — a convergence of collecting interests that makes DDR-003 particularly desirable.

Die Markers

• UVC-094
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Andrew Prechtl
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References