1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Struck as a Special Mint Set (SMS) issue in 40% silver—the composition used for all Kennedy Half Dollars from 1965 through 1970—the 1966 DDO-001 is cataloged as UVC-075 and DMR-003 in the VarietyVista system. Strong spread is visible on the profile, including the nose, eye, ear, and designer's initials, with a medium clockwise rotation on LIB of LIBERTY and light spread on IN GOD WE. Three die stages are documented: Stage A, the early-to-mid die state, shows a short die gouge running south from the upper L of LIBERTY, a horizontal die scratch above the eagle's right leg, and minor split serifs in the stars under OF AMERICA and CA of AMERICA. Stage B places both obverse and reverse at mid-die-state. Stage C is late die state, currently unconfirmed. The SMS striking process, intended to produce coins with superior finish between proof and business strike quality, makes the strong profile doubling especially crisp and collectible.

Die Markers

• UVC-075
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Short die gouge South from upper L of LIBERTY – EMDS
• Horizontal die scratch above eagle's Right leg – EMDS
• Minor split serifs in stars under OF AMERICA and CA of AMERICA
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References