1964 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Medium hub doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and upper hair — escalating to tripling on WE TRUST, the Y of LIBERTY, and the 4 of the date — makes this third doubled die obverse for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar a notable multi-impression variety. The tripling indicates the hub engaged the die at three distinct positions during the hubbing process, leaving two displaced secondary impressions in addition to the primary design. Cataloged by VarietyVista, the comment "Proof. ODV-001 (Accented Hair) /RDV-001 (Straight G)" provides critical attribution context: this is a proof issue featuring the famous Accented Hair obverse die variety paired with the Straight G reverse die variety. The Accented Hair variety, where the hair detail above Kennedy's ear appears more sharply defined due to additional die polishing, is one of the most sought-after Kennedy Half varieties and commands significant premiums. Die stage documentation records UVC-008, DMR-008, with Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B showing both obverse and reverse at mid die state, and Stage C at late die state (unconfirmed). The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar — the debut year of the series, struck in 90% silver following President Kennedy's assassination — generated unprecedented public demand, with mintages exceeding 400 million across Philadelphia and Denver. Proof production at Philadelphia used the Accented Hair obverse early in the run before the detail was softened, making Accented Hair proofs with additional tripled die characteristics doubly desirable.

Die Markers

• UVC-008
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Fivaz
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References