1971-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-016

Description

Cataloged as DDO-016 for the 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar, this variety exhibits medium spread on LIBERTY and WE TRUST across Gilroy Roberts's obverse — two inscriptions in the upper and lower right quadrants, indicating hub displacement influenced a broad arc of the die surface. The 1971 issue marks a historically significant transition: it was the first year Kennedy Half Dollars were struck entirely in copper-nickel clad composition after the 40% silver issues of 1965 through 1970. The die is identified as ODV-002 (Obverse Die Variety 002), cataloging the specific obverse working die in this die marriage. Die markers UVC-566 and DMR-022 confirm the die across three documented states: Stage A with both obverse and reverse in Early Die State showing the crispest doubling, Stage B in Mid Die State (unconfirmed), and Stage C in Late Die State (unconfirmed). Confirmed EDS specimens offer the sharpest expression before progressive die wear softens the effect. Examine LIBERTY and WE TRUST under 5x to 7x magnification for medium directional displacement.

Die Markers

• UVC-566
• DMR-022
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Larry Nienaber
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References