1951 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

The Wexler Team cataloged WDDO-001 of the 1951 Franklin half dollar as exhibiting a Class VI spread toward the center on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE. Class VI distorted hub doubling produces an inward shift on the affected design elements, distinguishing it from the more common outward-spreading classes. Obverse die markers include a die gouge south of the S in the designer's initials JRS and two die gouges above and between the D of GOD and the W of WE, along with a re-engraved bottom of the 5 in the date. On the reverse, die pitting appears to the right of the top of the R in DOLLAR. Cross-referenced as Crawford CDDO-001 and Wexler Variety ID 1951 50 cent WDDO-001, this variety is recognized by both major attribution services. The 1951 Franklin half dollar was the fourth year of the series introduced in 1948, and WDDO-001 represents the premier doubled die obverse for this date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tony Russo Cross References: Crawford: CDDO-001
• Crawford: CDDO-001; Wexler Variety ID: 1951 50¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References