1971-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Fifth doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1971 Denver Kennedy Half Dollar, WDDO-005 records a hub misalignment during die manufacture that produced visible doubling on the obverse design elements of Gilroy Roberts's portrait. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1971-D 50-cent WDDO-005, this variety is part of a substantial cluster of Denver doubled dies from the early 1970s Kennedy series. The 1971-D was the first year the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck entirely in copper-nickel clad composition for circulation, following the elimination of 40% silver content after 1970. This compositional transition did not affect die manufacturing processes, and hub doubling continued to occur at the same rates as in previous years. Five documented doubled die obverses for this single date and mint reflects the thorough coverage Denver Kennedy Half varieties have received from researchers. The series transition to base metal clad made the 1971-D widely available in circulation, expanding the population of coins available for variety discovery.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-D 50¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References