1961 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-013

Description

With VarietyVista references UVC-048 and DMR-035, this 1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar DDR-013 exhibits light spread distributed across multiple reverse design elements. The doubling is visible on E PLU and UN of UNUM in the motto, on UNITED STATES in the upper inscription, on the eagle's tail feathers, and on HALF DOLLAR in the denomination. This wide distribution of light spread across so many discrete design areas suggests the second hub impression was slightly shifted relative to the first, affecting virtually the entire reverse die surface. John R. Sinnock's reverse composition places numerous fine-detail elements in close proximity — the Liberty Bell's crack and lettering, the small eagle, and multiple lines of inscription — creating many diagnostic zones where light doubling can be confirmed. Philadelphia Mint proof production in 1961 exceeded three million sets, the highest total in the Franklin Half Dollar era, giving variety hunters a large population to search. With only two years remaining before the Kennedy Half Dollar would replace the Franklin design in 1964, proof varieties from 1961 represent the penultimate chapter in this series' production history.

Die Markers

• UVC-048
• DMR-035
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References