1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

As the first cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1961 proof Franklin Half Dollar, WDDO-001 holds the primary variety position within this date-mint combination and was documented by the Wexler Team under reference 1961 50c Pr WDDO-001 with no other known cross-references. The doubling presents as a close Class II spread directed toward the center, showing best on the B and R of LIBERTY with lesser doubling visible on some of the other LIBERTY letters. Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) produces a centripetal spread pattern where the secondary image shifts toward the design's center, distinguishing it from the rotational spread of Class I or the directional offset of Class III varieties. Obverse die markers include a small die gouge between the tops of the T and R in TRUST and another die gouge at the rim below the first T in TRUST. On the reverse, a die gouge appears on the top left side of the N in UNITED, providing attribution confirmation from the eagle side. John R. Sinnock's obverse portrait of Benjamin Franklin, introduced in 1948, features the Founding Father facing right with LIBERTY above and IN GOD WE TRUST below — inscription zones where the centripetal Class II spread manifests as a slight thickening or shadowing directed inward. The 1961 proof Franklin Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 12.5 grams and 30.6 mm diameter, with 3,028,244 proof sets produced that year. As the DDO-001 designation for a proof-only variety, this represents the most prominent doubled die obverse identified on the 1961 Franklin proof issue.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 50¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References