1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with UVC-160 and DMR-003 and cross-referenced as FS-102, the 1970-S Kennedy Half Dollar DDO-002 is a proof issue displaying strong spread on all obverse lettering and the date, with a dramatic triple spread visible on the ST of TRUST. The triple spread — three distinct impressions of the letters S and T — indicates that the hub made at least three contacts with the die at progressively shifted positions, creating an unusually pronounced doubling effect that elevates this variety above typical light-spread doubled dies. The FS-102 cross-reference under the Fivaz-Stanton numbering system confirms this variety's recognition in the Cherry Pickers' Guide, one of the most widely used variety references in numismatics. Three die stages are documented: Stage A shows both obverse and reverse at EDS, Stage B is unconfirmed MDS, and Stage C is unconfirmed LDS. Comments identify this as a proof coin with reverse die variety RDV-003. The 1970-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 40% silver clad composition — the final year of silver content for proof half dollars before the transition to copper-nickel clad in 1971. Strong doubled dies on proof coins are particularly prized because the mirror-like proof fields and frosted devices make the doubling exceptionally visible and photogenic. The FS-102 designation places this as the second most significant obverse variety for the date in the Cherry Pickers' hierarchy, and the triple spread on TRUST makes it one of the more visually dramatic Kennedy Half Dollar doubled dies. Variety dealers and auction houses recognize the FS-102 designation as a market-significant attribution that commands premium pricing.

Die Markers

• UVC-160
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• FS-102
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References