1948-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005

Description

Displaying medium spread in the northwest direction, DDR-005 affects multiple reverse design elements on the 1948-D Franklin Half Dollar: E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED, HALF DOLLAR, the separation dots, and the right side of the Liberty Bell clapper. The Franklin Half series debuted in 1948, making this Denver Mint issue a first-year production coin where die preparation procedures were being applied to a brand-new design by John R. Sinnock. Die markers under UVC-291 and DMR-007 track three stages: Stage A in Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B with the reverse in Early-to-Mid Die State and the obverse independently listed as DDO-005 (also in EMDS) with a small die gouge southwest of the lower R of LIBERTY, and Stage C at Late Die State (unconfirmed). The cross-listing of the obverse as DDO-005 creates a die marriage where both sides carry cataloged hub doubling. Cataloged by VarietyVista, the northwest spread on the Liberty Bell's clapper is a particularly notable diagnostic because the bell's internal detail — including the clapper and crack — are among the most scrutinized design features in the Franklin Half series.

Die Markers

• UVC-291
• DMR-007
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is EMDS
• Obverse is LISTED as DDO-005 – EMDS
• Small die gouge Southwest of lower R of LIBERTY
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Charles Chatham
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References