1957 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Reported by Hugh T. Campbell, DDR-001 on the 1957 Philadelphia Franklin Half Dollar exhibits light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM — the motto that appears above the Liberty Bell on John R. Sinnock's reverse design. As the first-cataloged doubled die reverse for 1957, this variety holds the primary DDR position for the date. The reverse is dominated by the Liberty Bell, with E PLURIBUS UNUM curving above it and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the upper periphery, creating a compressed area where even light hub doubling can interact with adjacent design elements. The 1957 half dollar was struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams, representing one of the later issues in the Franklin series that would end in 1963. Hugh T. Campbell's documentation of this variety contributed to the growing body of Franklin Half Dollar die variety research, a field that intensified as collectors recognized the series' sixteen-year span created manageable scope for comprehensive study. Examination under magnification focusing on E PLURIBUS UNUM provides the best conditions for detection.

External References