1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-018

Description

VarietyVista's DDO-018 for the 1961 Franklin Half Dollar displays medium spread directed west on the G of GOD, a single-character diagnostic that provides a tight, focused attribution point. The die marker system assigns UVC-268 and DMR-031, with an unusually detailed four-stage die state progression that chronicles the die's entire service life. Stage A is Early Die State (unconfirmed). Stage B shows die scratches running north-south on the obverse and north-south on the upper reverse, placing the die at Mid Die State (MDS). Stage C introduces a light die crack on the lower bust at Late-to-Mid Die State (LMDS), accompanied by die scratches running southwest through the date on the obverse and new, stronger die scratches on the reverse. Stage D represents Late Die State (LDS), also unconfirmed. A critical collecting note accompanies this variety: it can be found in Mint Sets, meaning this is a business-strike variety rather than (or in addition to) a proof issue. This distinction affects both the surface characteristics of collectible specimens and their availability, as Mint Set coins have satin or luster finishes rather than mirror fields. The 1961 Franklin Half Dollar was struck in 90% silver at 12.5 grams, and the medium westward spread on the G of GOD indicates a hub displacement vector pointing toward the 9 o'clock position of the die, shifting the secondary impression of the letter G in that direction relative to the primary strike.

Die Markers

• UVC-268
• DMR-031
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die scratches North-South on Obverse – MDS
• Die scratches North-South on upper Reverse – MDS
• Stage C:
• Light die crack on lower bust – LMDS
• Die scratches Southwest through date
• New and stronger die scratches on Reverse – LMDS
• Stage D:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Dennis Fisher
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References