1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1964 50¢ Pr WDDO-001 with extensive cross-references including CONECA 2-O-V and Cherrypickers FS-50-1964-101 (013.2), this proof Kennedy Half Dollar displays a strong counterclockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately the 9 o'clock position, producing visible doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the date, the designer's initials, and the hair detail on the upper portion of Kennedy's head. The pivot-based spread creates an arc of displacement that intensifies with distance from the 9 o'clock pivot, making the doubling most pronounced on design elements furthest from that axis. Obverse die markers include a short vertical die gouge at the rim to the left of the R in LIBERTY and a short diagonal die scratch to the right of the top of the Y in LIBERTY. The reverse shows a flared G in the FG designer's initials (for Frank Gasparro), along with slight doubling on USA and the circle of stars attributed to a doubled master die listed as WMDR-001 — meaning the master die itself carried doubling that would appear on every working die produced from it. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the inaugural year of the series, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse) as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in November 1963. Struck in 90% silver at 12.50 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter, the 1964 issue was the only year the Kennedy Half was produced in full silver composition. The Cherrypickers designation FS-50-1964-101 confirms this as a significant variety actively sought by collectors, while the proof format's mirror fields make the counterclockwise rotational doubling especially visible under proper lighting conditions.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Jencek Cross References: CONECA: 2-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-50-1964-101 (013.2)
• CONECA: 2-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-50-1964-101 (013.2); Wexler Variety ID: 1964 50¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References