1950 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Presenting a multi-intensity spread pattern across four reverse elements, DDR-002 on the 1950 Franklin Half Dollar shows extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separator dots, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and light extra thickness on HALF DOLLAR. James Wiles reported this variety, which carries Reverse Die Variety designation RDV-001b. The intensity disparity — standard extra thickness on three elements but downgraded to light on HALF DOLLAR — reveals the hub displacement's geometric relationship to the die face: the motto, separator dots, and country inscription received sufficient offset to produce clearly visible thickening, while HALF DOLLAR's position relative to the displacement vector placed it at the margin of detectability, resulting in subtler broadening. The separator dots — small circular elements positioned between words of the motto on John R. Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar reverse — provide an unusually precise diagnostic surface because their simple circular geometry makes even minor thickening immediately apparent as an elongation or broadening of the dot's profile. The RDV-001b designation identifies the specific reverse design variant (die hub) from which this working die was produced, connecting it to a particular stage in the die manufacturing lineage. The 1950 Franklin Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 12.5 grams during the series' third year of production (1948-1963). Sinnock's reverse features the Liberty Bell with its distinctive crack, surrounded by the affected inscriptions and separator dots. As DDR-002, this variety represents the second most significant documented reverse hub doubling for the date. Examination under 7x magnification at the separator dots provides the quickest visual confirmation, followed by comparison of HALF DOLLAR's lighter thickening against normal specimens.

External References