1951 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-011

Description

Focusing on one of the most iconic design elements in American coinage, the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar DDR-011 displays medium hub doubling spread on the lower portion of the Liberty Bell and its clapper on John R. Sinnock's reverse. The bell and clapper occupy the central reverse field, and medium-strength displacement produces secondary contours along the bell's lower curvature and the clapper's vertical shaft — areas where even moderate doubling becomes apparent due to the crisp relief of the original engraving. Die markers UVC-284 and DMR-014 identify this working die across three documented stages: Stage A in early die state, Stage B in mid die state (both unconfirmed), and Stage C in late die state showing die scratches on the lower right portion of the bell, with the obverse also reaching late die state. The reverse die variety is classified as RDV-001b in the VarietyVista system. Attributed by VarietyVista, this Philadelphia Mint issue was struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams. The Franklin Half Dollar series ran from 1948 to 1963 before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar. Examine the lower bell and the vertical clapper under magnification for the medium spread, and look for the late-die-state scratches on the lower right bell as a confirming diagnostic.

Die Markers

• UVC-284
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die scratches on lower Right bell – LDS
• Obverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References