1948 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Third cataloged doubled die obverse for the inaugural 1948 Franklin Half Dollar, DDO-003 documents hub doubling from the first year of John R. Sinnock's design that replaced the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. VarietyVista assigns die markers UVC-264 and DMR-008, with a medium spread on the date — the secondary hub impression displaced digits enough to produce clearly doubled contours under moderate magnification. Three stages are recorded: Stage A at Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B at Mid Die State (unconfirmed), and Stage C at Late Die State showing die scratches above the date as additional markers. Notably, the same reverse die is listed as DDR-007, creating a dual-variety pairing where both sides carry hub doubling — an uncommon convergence making this die marriage doubly significant. Sinnock's Franklin Half features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, with the small eagle required by law. Struck at Philadelphia in 90% silver at 30.6mm. Examine the date for medium spread, look above the date on Stage C specimens for LDS die scratches, and check the reverse for DDR-007 doubling completing this dual-variety pairing.

Die Markers

• UVC-264
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die scratches above date – LDS
• Reverse is LISTED as DDR-007 – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brett Parrish
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References