1966 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-017

Description

Issued as part of the Special Mint Set program, the 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in a 40% silver composition — part of the transition away from the 90% silver half dollars used through 1964. SMS coins were produced with specially prepared dies and planchets to achieve a finish between proof and uncirculated, though without the full mirror surface of a true proof. The 1966 DDO-017 is cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-091 and DMR-019, with four documented die stages: A (EDS), B (EMDS), C (MDS), and D (LDS). The doubling produces a strong spread on Kennedy's profile, eye, ear, designer's initials by Gilroy Roberts, and the hair above the forehead — a broad distribution that rewards examination across multiple obverse zones. A Machine Damage Doubling effect appears on the reverse in Stage D (LDS), a mechanical process distinct from true hub doubling that collectors should note when seeking attribution-quality specimens. Four-stage SMS varieties with this level of obverse spread are among the more desirable Kennedy Half Dollar attributions from the transitional silver years.

Die Markers

• UVC-091
• DMR-019
• Stage A:
• Long thin die scratch South from T almost to Y of LIBERTY – EDS
• Numerous light die scratches North-South in front of profile
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Light die gouge dot in field at tip of nose – EMDS
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage C:
• Die scratch from T of LIBERTY is very weak – MDS
• Die scratch from N of IN to 1 of date
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage D:
• Die scratch from T of LIBERTY is gone – LDS
• Machine Damage Doubling on Reverse – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References