1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-028

Description

Among the extensive family of 1964 proof Kennedy Half Dollar doubled die obverses, WDDO-028 occupies a position deep in the catalog sequence — evidence of just how many distinct working dies at the Philadelphia Mint received detectable hub misalignment during the enormous 1964 proof production run. Cataloged by the Wexler Team under the designation 1964 50c Pr WDDO-028, this variety emerged from a proof striking program that saw unprecedented demand following President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. The obverse, designed by Gilroy Roberts and based on his inaugural medal portrait, carries the familiar left-facing bust of Kennedy with LIBERTY arcing above and IN GOD WE TRUST along the lower border. Hub doubling on proof Kennedy Half Dollars manifests differently than on business strikes because the mirror-finish die surfaces and sharp rims of proof production create a high-contrast environment where even subtle displacement becomes visible against the reflective fields. Struck on polished 90% silver planchets weighing 12.5 grams, 1964 proof Kennedys were the only 90% silver Kennedy proofs until silver proof sets began in 1992; the circulating half moved to 40% silver clad in 1965. Collectors examining this variety should use 7x to 10x magnification with oblique lighting to detect the doubled impressions against the proof's mirrored surfaces, paying particular attention to the lettering and portrait details where hub displacement typically registers most clearly.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1964 50¢ Pr WDDO-028

External References