1964 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005

Description

Showing light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and the hair under R of LIBERTY, with notable triple spread on ST of TRUST and the 4 of the date, this fifth doubled die obverse for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a proof-only variety struck from the Accented Hair obverse die. Die markers include UVC-010, DMR-010, with Stage A showing obverse and reverse in Early Die State, Stage B at Mid Die State (unconfirmed), and Stage C at Late Die State (unconfirmed). The comments identify this as a proof strike from the ODV-001 Accented Hair obverse paired with RDV-001 Straight G reverse — the Accented Hair variety being one of the most famous Kennedy Half sub-types, characterized by enhanced hair detail above Kennedy's ear that was subsequently softened in later die production. Triple spread on the ST of TRUST and the digit 4 indicates that this die received at least three distinguishable hub impressions with progressive misalignment, a more complex hubbing history than the typical double impression. The 1964 proof Kennedy Half was struck at Philadelphia in substantial quantities for the year's proof sets, driven by unprecedented public demand for coins honoring President Kennedy. Cataloged by VarietyVista, DDO-005 combines three desirable attributes — proof surface quality, the Accented Hair obverse die, and visible tripled elements — making it one of the more sought-after varieties among the five documented DDOs for this landmark date.

Die Markers

• UVC-010
• DMR-010
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References