1951 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

Exhibiting strong spread across three of John R. Sinnock's key reverse design elements, the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar DDR-003 affects the eagle, bell striker, and lower bell — an impressive diagnostic footprint spanning the central and lower portions of the reverse. The strong intensity makes this one of the more visually accessible Franklin Half Dollar doubled die reverses, with secondary contours clearly discernible on the heraldic eagle perched atop the Liberty Bell, the bell's clapper mechanism, and the lower curvature of the bell itself. Die markers UVC-045 and DMR-006 identify this working die, which carries the reverse die variety designation RDV-001b. Three die stages are documented: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B with both reverse and obverse confirmed in mid-die state, and Stage C with both in confirmed late die state. Cataloged by VarietyVista, this Philadelphia Mint regular strike was produced in 90% silver at 12.5 grams. The Franklin Half Dollar series ran from 1948 to 1963. Examine the eagle, bell striker, and lower bell for the strong spread that distinguishes this variety from subtler Franklin DDRs.

Die Markers

• UVC-045
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Hugh T. Campbell
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References