1955 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Not to be confused with the celebrated 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) that ranks among American numismatics' most famous varieties, DDO-004 represents a separate and considerably more subtle hub doubling event on a different 1955 Franklin half dollar obverse die. Cataloged by VarietyVista with die marker code UVC-289 and die marriage reference DMR-009, this variety exhibits light spread on three key obverse areas: the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, the word LIBERTY, and the date digits. Three die stages have been documented. Stage A shows the obverse in early die state (EDS) alongside numerous fine die scratches visible on the Liberty Bell area of the reverse, consistent with fresh die surfaces that have not yet accumulated significant wear or flow lines. Stage B progresses to mid-die state (MDS), though this remains unconfirmed and awaits additional specimen reports for verification. Stage C represents late die state (LDS), also unconfirmed. The Franklin half dollar series (1948-1963) produced a relatively modest number of doubled die varieties compared to contemporary cent issues, making any DDO listing for this denomination noteworthy. Light spread on the motto and LIBERTY can be challenging to confirm without careful loupe examination at 7x or higher, as the Franklin design's bold lettering can sometimes mask subtle hub displacement beneath the letters' wide serifs.

Die Markers

• UVC-289
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Numerous fine die scratches on bell – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brooks Childs
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References