1971-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Bearing the primary DDO designation for the 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof, DDO-001 exhibits a complex doubling pattern: light triple spread on TRUST, the last 1 of the date, and the Y of LIBERTY, combined with double spread on IN GOD WE, 197 of the date, and RTY of LIBERTY. The coexistence of triple and double spread on a single die indicates that three hub impressions were made with two successive misalignments — each impression slightly displaced from the previous — creating areas where three distinct images overlap (triple spread) alongside areas where only two impressions are resolved (double spread). The VarietyVista system assigns UVC-181 and DMR-003, with Stage A showing obverse and reverse in EDS, while Stage B (MDS) and Stage C (LDS) remain unconfirmed. The comments identify this as a proof issue with obverse designated ODV-002. The 1971-S marks the first year of exclusively copper-nickel clad composition for proof Kennedy Half Dollars — the 40% silver proof composition used from 1968 through 1970 was discontinued, establishing the clad proof standard that continues today. As DDO-001, this triple/double spread variety represents the most significant doubled die obverse for the 1971-S proof half dollar, and the rare triple spread phenomenon adds substantial interest for die variety specialists studying the hubbing process. Gilroy Roberts' detailed Kennedy portrait provides numerous fine design elements where the third impression can be detected, and the distribution across TRUST, date digits, and LIBERTY letters gives collectors multiple independent diagnostic areas for confirming the variety.

Die Markers

• UVC-181
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References