1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Cataloged as a tripled die rather than a standard doubled die, the 1960 Proof Franklin Half Dollar WDDO-009 exhibits a close tripled spread towards the center on IGWT — IN GOD WE TRUST. Triple hubbing involves three separate impressions of the hub into the working die with slight misalignment between each, producing two sets of secondary contours flanking the primary design elements rather than the single secondary image of conventional doubling. The close intensity and centripetal direction mean both secondary impressions sit near the primary, requiring careful magnification to distinguish the three overlapping layers in the motto lettering. A reverse die marker aids attribution: a short vertical die scratch inside the upper portion of the M in AMERICA. No significant obverse die markers beyond the tripling itself have been documented. This Wexler Team attribution is cross-referenced as "1960 50-cent Pr WDDO-009." John R. Sinnock's Franklin Half Dollar — featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse — was struck as a proof in 90% silver at 12.5 grams at the Philadelphia Mint. Examine IN GOD WE TRUST under high magnification for the three-layered centripetal spread, then verify the vertical scratch inside the upper M in AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1960 50¢ Pr WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References