1971-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-014

Description

Fourteenth doubled die obverse documented for the 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof, this variety presents light spread on IN GOD with light rotational spread on TRUST and TY of LIBERTY — a distribution pattern suggesting the hub rotation was centered approximately between these legend elements. Classified under UVC-194 and DMR-016 in the VarietyVista system, three die states track the variety's progression: Stage A remains unconfirmed, Stage B is characterized by a die gouge under the bust east of designer Gilroy Roberts's initials with both dies in mid-die-state, and Stage C awaits late-die-state specimen documentation. The obverse die is designated ODV-002 within the VarietyVista classification. As a proof issue from the San Francisco Mint, this coin was produced using polished dies on specially prepared planchets under multiple-strike conditions designed to maximize design detail and surface quality. The 1971-S proof Kennedy Half Dollar marks the first year of exclusively copper-nickel clad composition for proof halves — following the discontinuation of the 40% silver proof half dollar after 1970 — making it a transitional year that attracts collectors specializing in composition changes. Fourteen doubled die obverses cataloged for a single proof date demonstrates the exceptional depth of die variety research applied to Kennedy Half Dollar proofs, where the controlled striking environment preserves subtle hub doubling that would be diminished or invisible on business strikes. The rotational component of the spread on TRUST distinguishes this variety from linear-spread doubled dies, indicating the hub pivoted during the sinking process rather than shifting along a straight axis.

Die Markers

• UVC-194
• DMR-016
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge under bust East of designer's initials – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References