1994-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Silver proof issue from the San Francisco Mint, this primary doubled die reverse for the 1994-S Kennedy Half Dollar (DDR-001) exhibits a medium spread affecting all the stars around the heraldic circle, with the strongest doubling visible at the top and lighter spread on the stars positioned between the rays of the Presidential Seal. Cataloged by VarietyVista with technical codes UVC-536 and DMR-003, the die stage documentation records Stage A in early die state with a distinctive marker: a small die gouge dot on the rim west of the H of HALF, with the obverse also in early die state. Stages B (mid-die state) and C (late die state) remain unconfirmed. The comments field confirms this as a silver proof — the 1994-S Kennedy Half Dollar was produced in both clad and silver proof versions, and this variety appears on the 90% silver proof issue. The silver proof program, reintroduced in 1992 after a hiatus, produced premium proof sets with the original 90% silver composition for half dollars, dimes, and quarters, attracting collectors willing to pay a premium for the silver content and superior striking quality. As the primary DDR listing for 1994-S, this variety represents the most significant doubling documented on the reverse of this proof date. The medium spread across the heraldic stars provides strong visual evidence under magnification, particularly at the top of the circle where the spread is strongest. Cataloged by VarietyVista, DDR-001 demonstrates how the proof striking process — with its multiple impressions on polished dies — does not eliminate the possibility of hub doubling from the die manufacturing stage.

Die Markers

• UVC-536
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Small die gouge dot on rim West of the H of HALF – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References