1948-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

First-year-of-issue variety for the Franklin half dollar series, DDO-001 on the 1948-D shows light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST combined with light Southeast spread on the date numerals. John R. Sinnock's obverse portrait of Benjamin Franklin debuted in 1948, and Denver struck approximately 4.03 million half dollars that year, a modest mintage for the 30.6mm, 90% silver denomination. The Southeast directional spread on the date provides a specific vector for the hub misalignment, indicating the secondary hub impression was offset both downward and to the right relative to the primary. Reported by Ward Miller, DDO-001 holds the benchmark designation for 1948-D Franklin half dollar obverse doubled dies. The reverse die is separately listed as DDR-001, establishing a die marriage where both sides carry documented hub doubling — specimens can be attributed under both DDO-001 and DDR-001 designations. Examination under magnification should focus on IN GOD WE TRUST for spread confirmation, then check the date digits for the Southeast directional component.

External References