1950-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1950-D 50¢ WDDR-002, this Franklin Half Dollar exhibits a doubled die reverse where hub misalignment during die manufacturing produced visible doubling on the Liberty Bell and surrounding reverse design elements. The attribution notes carry an important proviso: a low grade coin was attributed, and higher grade specimens are needed to identify the full extent and character of the doubling — a candid acknowledgment that the single available attribution specimen may not reveal all diagnostic features that would be visible on a better-preserved example, and the Wexler Team welcomes submissions of additional specimens to expand the documentation. The Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. A small eagle was added to the reverse to satisfy the statutory requirement for an eagle on coins larger than a dime, positioned to the right of the bell. Struck at the Denver Mint in 1950 in 90% silver composition weighing 12.50 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter, the Franklin Half Dollar series ran from 1948 through 1963 before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar. The 1950-D had a mintage of approximately 8.0 million pieces. The Liberty Bell reverse, with its detailed rendering of the bell's surface including the famous crack line, yoke, and inscription lettering, provides a rich field of design elements where hub doubling can manifest in various patterns. The call for higher grade specimens reflects the collaborative nature of modern die variety attribution, where the catalog remains a living document updated as new evidence becomes available from the collecting community.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lou Coles Cross References: None known Comments: A low grade coin was attributed. Higher grade specimens are needed to identify
• None known Comments: A low grade coin was attributed. Higher grade specimens are needed to identify; Wexler Variety ID: 1950-D 50¢ WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References