1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar - Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Struck in the next-to-last year of Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, WDDR-003 on the 1946 Philadelphia issue displays a close Class I spread on USA and HALF DOLLAR — two prominent reverse inscriptions flanking the eagle. Class I doubling results from a rotated hub impression, producing separation following a consistent directional pattern. The close intensity means primary and secondary impressions nearly overlap, requiring careful examination to distinguish spread from normal die wear. A short die scratch between A and M in AMERICA provides the key reverse die marker, confirming the working die independent of the doubling. No significant obverse markers have been noted. Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1946 50-cent WDDR-003, this variety appears on a late issue of Weinman's celebrated Walking Liberty design — introduced in 1916 and replaced by Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar in 1948. Struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams. Examine USA and HALF DOLLAR under 7x magnification for directional spread, then locate the die scratch between A and M in AMERICA for die confirmation.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1946 50¢ WDDR-003

External References