1974-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Designated FS-101 in the Cherrypickers' Guide, this 1974 Denver Mint Kennedy Half Dollar doubled die obverse is the most significant variety for the date, exhibiting strong spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date. Tracked by VarietyVista under die markers UVC-217 and DMR-002, the die is documented through four stages — an unusually long production life: Stage A with both obverse and reverse in early die state (EDS), Stage B in mid-die state (MDS), Stage C in late die state (LDS, unconfirmed), and Stage D with both sides in very late die state (VLDS). Four documented die stages indicates this die pair was used extensively before being retired, and specimens from each stage may exhibit different secondary characteristics. The FS-101 designation and availability in Mint Sets make this one of the most accessible major Kennedy Half Dollar varieties — Mint Set coins are typically well-preserved with original surfaces, providing ideal specimens for attribution. The 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in copper-nickel clad composition at the Denver Mint during the post-silver era of the series. Strong spread across three major design elements — motto, LIBERTY, and date — makes DDO-001 one of the more visually dramatic Kennedy Half Dollar varieties, detectable without extreme magnification on well-preserved specimens.

Die Markers

• UVC-217
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage D:
• Obverse and Reverse are VLDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• FS-101
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References