1968-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-010

Description

Tenth in the Wexler catalog sequence for 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar doubled die reverses, WDDR-010 (referenced as 1968-D 50¢ WDDR-010) documents another hub misalignment event from Denver's high-volume 1968 half dollar production. The silver-clad composition characteristic of the 1965-1970 Kennedy series — an outer cladding of 80% silver over a core containing 20.9% silver — gave these coins a distinctly different appearance and feel compared to the copper-nickel clad issues that succeeded them, and the softer silver alloy surface can subtly influence how doubled die details present under magnification. With no documented die markers for this specific pairing, collectors must rely on precise spread analysis to distinguish WDDR-010 from the other nine-plus DDR varieties sharing the 1968-D date. The practical challenge of differentiating among so many DDR entries for a single date-mint underscores the importance of high-quality reference photography and systematic comparison: each variety's spread direction, class, affected design areas, and intensity combine to form a unique diagnostic fingerprint even when multiple varieties appear superficially similar. Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle reverse, with its detailed feather texture, shield, olive branch, and arrows, provides numerous fine design elements where hub displacement can manifest — from extra thickness on individual tail feathers to separation lines within the shield's horizontal bars. Denver's 1968 half dollar output of approximately 246.9 million coins demanded constant die replacement, each new die carrying its own hubbing history and potential for variety creation.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-D 50¢ WDDR-010
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References