1951 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar WDDR-003, attributed as 1951 50¢ WDDR-003 in the Wexler system, delivers hub doubling on John R. Sinnock's Liberty Bell reverse. The doubling shows on the left side of the upper bell structure, along the bottom of the bell, on the clapper, on the eagle's talons, and on the tail feathers. Most strikingly, the right talon is tripled — three distinct hub impressions — the most dramatic single doubling point on this variety. The obverse die marker is a small die gouge left of the lower I in LIBERTY. The reverse carries parallel die scratches north-northeast from the top of the second U in UNUM through the IB of PLURIBUS and the right dot; a die gouge north-northwest of the first L in DOLLAR; and a die scratch south-southwest to north-northeast above the top right of the bell. The tripled talon, doubled bell structures, and surrounding die scratches form a compelling combination of doubling and confirmatory markers. Struck in 90% silver from 1948 through 1963, well-preserved 1951 examples display this variety with considerable visual impact.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tony Russo Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1951 50¢ WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References