1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-016

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-179 with DMR-027, the 1961 Franklin Half Dollar DDO-016 is a proof variety showing medium spread on LIBERTY accompanied by light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date. Die state documentation begins at Stage A in early die state, where a die gouge extends west from the lower G of GOD, paired with a reverse also in early die state. Stage B captures both obverse and reverse at mid-die state, and Stage C records the late die state. The die gouge descending from GOD at Stage A provides a useful die state diagnostic — its presence confirms earlier impressions while its potential evolution through later stages helps sequence individual specimens. Medium LIBERTY spread with lighter motto and date doubling suggests the hubbing misalignment had its greatest effect in the central-left region of the obverse. Franklin half dollar proof DDOs from 1961, the penultimate year of the series before the Kennedy redesign, occupy a specific niche among collectors assembling complete Franklin variety type sets.

Die Markers

• UVC-179
• DMR-027
• Stage A:
• Die gouge West from lower G of GOD – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brent Neal Gilpin
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References