1972-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-407 and DMR-005, this 1972-S Kennedy Half Dollar DDR-002 exhibits a complex multi-directional doubling pattern: light clockwise spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR visible as notched serifs, combined with light spread toward the center with some tripling on the stars around the circle and the stars between the rays. The notched serif effect on the lettering indicates the rotational displacement was sufficient to create visible steps at the letter terminals where the serif of the primary impression meets the offset serif of the secondary impression, producing a characteristic "notch" that is readily identifiable under magnification. The center-directed tripling on the stars suggests three distinct hub impressions contributed to the stellar elements, adding a third layer of design overlap beyond the simple doubling seen on the inscriptions. Three die stages are documented: Stage A shows both the reverse and obverse in early die state (EDS); Stage B at mid-die-state is unconfirmed; Stage C at late die state is unconfirmed. The 1972-S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint as a proof in copper-nickel clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper/25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core) weighing 11.34 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter. Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse Kennedy portrait and Frank Gasparro designed the Presidential Seal reverse, featuring the heraldic eagle surrounded by a ring of 50 stars. The proof striking process with polished planchets and dies produces mirror-like fields that enhance visibility of both the notched serif clockwise spread on the inscriptions and the tripled star elements, making proof doubled dies among the most visually striking varieties available to collectors.

Die Markers

• UVC-407
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References