1950 (D) Franklin Half Dollar - Repunched Mintmark RPM-002

Description

Second cataloged repunched mintmark for the 1950 Denver Mint Franklin Half Dollar — Ben Franklin's portrait gracing the obverse of John R. Sinnock's design that served as the half dollar from 1948 through 1963. The D/D repunching shows southward displacement, where the initial mintmark punch landed slightly north of the intended position and required a corrective second strike that partially obscured but did not eliminate the first impression. The reverse die variety is identified as RDV-001b over RDV-001a, documenting a reverse die transition within this pairing. Adding to the variety's significance, the reverse die also carries the characteristics of DDR-004 — a doubled die reverse that transforms this into a dual-interest coin where repunched mintmark and doubled die reverse coexist on the same die pair. The Franklin Half Dollar series, struck in 90% silver, attracts collectors drawn to both the substantial silver content and the short sixteen-year production span. Dual-attribution die pairs — RPM combined with DDR — are uncommon in any series, and their convergence on a 1950-D Franklin elevates both the attribution interest and collecting appeal.

Die Markers

• UVC-272
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge Southwest from top of bell clapper – MDS
• Die scratch Southeast from M of UNUM to bell
• Die scratch under E of LIBERTY – MDS
• Die gouge in upper back of hair
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References