1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-025

Description

Attributed by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-099 and DMR-027, the 1966 DDO-025 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Clad issue displays a medium counterclockwise (CCW) rotation on LIBERTY and the last 6 of the date, accompanied by medium spread on the ear, hair at the back of the head, and Gilroy Roberts' designer initials GR, with lighter spread on WE TRUST, the lips, chin, and neck. The medium CCW rotation produces a pivoted doubling pattern where the secondary image is rotated slightly counterclockwise relative to the primary, with the rotation magnitude varying based on distance from the pivot center. This variety is noted as an SMS (Special Mint Set) issue — coins produced from 1965 to 1967 as substitutes for proof coins during the Coinage Act transition period, featuring a distinctive finish quality between business strike and proof standards. Three die stages are documented: Stage A shows early die state with both obverse and reverse in EDS; Stage B presents mid-die state with the obverse showing MDS, minor Class II doubling on stars under STATES OF AMERICA, and a die clash through HALF DOLLAR; Stage C is late die state (unconfirmed). The Kennedy Half Dollar was designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), struck in 40% silver clad composition (outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of approximately 20.9% silver), weighing 11.5 grams at 30.6 mm diameter. The Stage B die clash through HALF DOLLAR indicates this die experienced both hub doubling and a clash event during its service life, adding die clash interest to the already notable doubled die variety.

Die Markers

• UVC-099
• DMR-027
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse is MDS
• Minor class II doubling on stars under STATES OF AMERICA – MDS
• Die clash through HALF DOLLAR
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References