1961-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

The 1961-D Franklin half dollar DDR-001 shows medium extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM and both flanking dots — the expected locus for hub doubling when slight misalignment between hub and die produced a measurable secondary offset. Franklin half dollars were struck in 90% silver and carry the portrait designed by John R. Sinnock. The variety is documented under VarietyVista codes UVC-182 and DMR-003. Die state progression covers three stages: Stage A (EDS) is unconfirmed. Stage B (MDS) sees light die scratches appear on the reverse, and a long die scratch runs southeast from the lower T of LIBERTY — a prominent marker for die confirmation in moderate die states. Stage C (LDS) brings new die scratches to the reverse and advances the obverse to LDS as well. Stage B and Stage C markers are the most practically useful for attributing circulated or lightly worn examples, since Stage A is not confirmed from reference specimens. DDR-001 is the primary doubled die reverse designation for the 1961-D Franklin half, and the well-documented die marker progression makes it one of the more accessible Franklin half variety attributions for experienced numismatists.

Die Markers

• UVC-182
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Light die scratches on Reverse – MDS
• Long die scratch Southeast from lower T of LIBERTY – MDS
• Stage C:
• New die scratches on Reverse – LDS
• Obverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References