1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-008

Description

A multi-stage die documented with a DDO-007 obverse pairing, DDR-008 on the 1956 Franklin Half Dollar carries Reverse Die Variety RDV-002 and exhibits medium extra thickness on rim lettering — the inscriptions positioned near the coin's rim — with specific concentration on the PL of PLURIBUS, the UN of UNUM, and the heraldic eagle. Timothy Wissert reported this variety. The partial-word doubling pattern, where only specific letter groups within longer words show detectable extra thickness, indicates the hub displacement vector aligned most favorably with those particular letter positions on the die face, producing thickening that exceeds the visibility threshold on PL and UN while remaining subtler on adjacent characters. The multi-stage die designation means this reverse die was paired during its service life with the obverse die bearing DDO-007, creating the possibility of coins exhibiting both obverse and reverse hub doubling from a single die pair — a combination variety that significantly enhances collector interest. John R. Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar reverse features the Liberty Bell with a small heraldic eagle to the right, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM near the rim. Struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams, the 1956 Philadelphia issue was produced in moderate quantities. Examination under 7x to 10x magnification with raking light across the rim lettering best reveals the medium thickening on the affected letter groups, while collectors should also check the obverse for any signs of DDO-007 doubling.

External References