1965 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Attributed by VarietyVista as UVC-063 with die marker reference DMR-003, DDO-001 is the first cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar — struck exclusively in Special Mint Set format, as the Mint eliminated standard proof sets from 1965 through 1967. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A in Early Die State, Stage B in Mid Die State, and Stage C in Late Die State. Light extra thickness appears on IN GOD WE TRUST, the letters ERTY in LIBERTY, and portions of Kennedy's hair, where a secondary hub impression transferred a subtle spread. The 1965 date also marks the composition change from 90% silver to 40% silver clad, making these coins transitional in both format and metallurgy. Special Mint Set coins occupy a middle ground between business strikes and proofs — struck with greater care than circulation pieces but without the mirror finishes characteristic of proof production. As the lead entry in the DDO catalog for this date, DDO-001 anchors the doubled die census for one of the most historically significant Kennedy Half Dollar issues.

Die Markers

• UVC-063
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Light die scratches along the lower front bust – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References