Going through some Kennedy half dollars that I have had tucked away for over 40 years and I think I found 2 that are double dies - a 1964d & 1973d. I'm fairly certain they are, especially the 1964. The 1973 is more subtle (posted in 2nd thread as photo upload limited). I am new to this so want some expert opinions. Thank you From 1964D
Looking at the above photo, it is not a doubled die as in the "W", the effect shown has basically divided the width of the W arms. A true doubled die will make the arms be the same height ( thickness) or very close such as the 1955/55 shown below: Notice how on the 9 and the bottom of the 5 how they appear blended as the DIE used to strike the coins had been struck 2 times in it's making. On yours, a doubling overlap appears because the die or blank moved a tiny amount Liberty is easier to see the effects. A true Doubled die is rare, but faulty mint equipment can make small variations which people think are true doubling rather than damaged dies or mint equipment. Jim
Maybe I'm using the wrong term but when I compare this to the variety vista photos for 1964d kennedy half dollar WDDO-03 & wexler WDDO-002 they look identical to me. Am I missing something?
Okay, here's where my knowledge parts company. While this coin is worn and shows damaged, it does appear to be DD. You checked VV and I would agree with you that your coins letters "appear" to match, but then I don't always agree with VV on their authentications. But that's just me. Good luck. I'll be following this thread to see what others come up with.
Yes, it will have to be a personal decision. They also attribute coins, sell coins, etc. And at this site, we just give our knowledge and "suspicions" for free, no attributions, no certificates of such. Yes, I do not always agree with VV, eBay,etc. Etsy ( almost never). Here, about 95+ %. People's opinions are useful, but in the end it is for the member with the coin to decide. None of my comments are directive to people, just coins. And I am never upset or angry when people have negative reactions, even if its my coin Keep learning !!
I think it may be this WDDO-003 best of variety. https://doubleddie.com/1598998.html Description: A very strong tripled CCW spread from a pivot at about 11:00 shows on LIBERTY, IGWT, the date, the designer’s initials, and the hair at the top and back of the head.
Thank you everyone for good input. I went back and re-read Wexlers double die lesson. Although I don't have the very cool double die depicted in desertgem's photos, it appears to me that this is an example of what Wexler called a minor double die with split serifs. I get it that this is considered minor and may be a collectable to some and not others. But, is there debate in the coin community that this error is caused by doubling in the die as opposed to some mechanical doubling when being struck? Because if so, I'm very confused at this point by what the definition of double die is and what a good source is for defining it.
I'm confused with most of the posts in this thread. The photos in this post are obviously showing the CONECA listed 64D DDO-003/RPM-006, FS-50-1964-D-103 (13.5), a strong spread. You should be able to see the RPM-006 on the reverse. There are quite a few markers listed on VV.
