1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Rounding out the middle range of the Wexler Team's DDR catalog for the 1969-S proof Kennedy half dollar, WDDR-006 documents the sixth reverse hub misalignment event recorded for this date-mint combination. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1969-S 50¢ Pr WDDR-006, this variety adds to a census that includes WDDR-001, WDDR-003, and WDDR-009 among other entries, collectively demonstrating the frequency with which reverse hub misalignment affected proof die production at San Francisco in 1969. No die markers were noted for either obverse or reverse, consistent with many early Wexler file entries where the attribution focus centered on documenting the doubling pattern itself rather than cataloging supplementary die identification features. The 2,934,631 proof sets produced in 1969 each contained a Kennedy half dollar struck in the 40% silver-clad composition, and the proof manufacturing process -- with its slower press speeds and higher striking pressures compared to business strike operations -- created conditions where hub doubling often produced sharper, more clearly defined doubled images. Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle reverse, adapted from the Great Seal design, features concentric circles of stars, detailed wing feathering, a shield with horizontal and vertical lines, and surrounding text that provides numerous diagnostic zones for variety detection. The 1969-S proof half's position within the five-year silver-clad proof window (1965-1970) gives it both collectible and precious metal appeal, and WDDR-006 enriches the variety dimension of a date that already draws attention from Kennedy series specialists seeking complete proof DDR representation.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S 50¢ Pr WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References