I know that the doubling is very slight, but there is a split in the serifs at the top of the U in TRUST that shows in the photographs, and a split down the middle of the S that shows much better in hand. Haven't quite got the light right to capture it...but what do you think? (According to photographs in the CPG, this isn't a huge split kind of error in the first place...plus, taking wear into account...) In any case, not bad for fifty cents (found it roll searching.) If it is a DDO, it'll be the first Kennedy Half DD I've found! Here is a much better shot showing splits - also showing splits on R and the second T. EDITED to include it: View attachment 217574
The third picture down shows the doubling best. I can see the splits you are referring to, so I would say yes, you have a doubled die. Congrats on the find!
Yup, it's the DDO FS-101. Last one in PCGS MS62 sold at Teletrade for $322. My personal opinion - If you don't plan on keeping the coin, I'd recommend putting some money into getting it certified/attributed by PCGS. That'd be the best way to maximize your profit - Selling it raw (as is) would be tough. These Kennedy half varieties have been fetching good money lately at auction firms like TT and GC even in 55/58 holders.
That is a nice find...you don’t see that die very often. Here is a photo of the 50c 77D DDO-001, Stage A. Larry Nienaber
Thanks for the info and comments! Does anyone know of a price reference for this DDO? CPG has nothing but "n/a..." Just looking for some info for my records, not trying to sell it any time soon...
Getting specific pricing information can be very difficult on these since the target audience can be limited. Coins which sell for big bucks have a much wider audience and as such a higher marketing appeal. For your specific coins, I don't think that $200 would be out of line but then, you'd really have to have it graded and attributed by PCGS. It'll cost around $60 if it were the only coin submitted but the return on value would be triple if not quadruple of selling it raw. I've sold these in ANACS AU slabs for between $125 and $150 each and they are difficult to find. Especially in the grade your coin exhibits. Looking at your photo's, I'm thinking AU58. CONGRATS! You've found a very nice Kennedy Variety. I say this because, some varieties can be found in Proof and Mint Sets. Not this one though. These were only found "in the wild" and finding a high grade example can be VERY difficult and expensive. Oh yeah, I'm a bit jealous!
I have to say, you had me at the Calvin & Hobbes avatar. It's the first DDO I've found while searching half dollar rolls...and came in two bags of coins that yielded 28 90% (including Barbers and Walkers) and 20 40%...so I'd have to say that bag was well worth the effort! I have to say I'll keep it in a 2x2 until I get a few coins worth sending in...or maybe I'll see if my LCS back home will submit it for me. I am okay with paying for the service of encapsulation, but not paying for the right to pay for the service.
Is the black spot on the obverse active PVC? I'd say use some acetone on it, but if I recall, that will make the edge pink along the copper core, which would make it possibly not gradable.
It does look like a bit of PVC. I'll see what can be done to conserve it to keep that from getting worse. Thanks for looking out!
Hey everyone, Just got an update for you - sent my first 3 1977 D DDO halves to NGC a bit ago...finally got my results. Don't have the coins in hand yet, but will share photos with you once they arrive back home from boarding school... Three results: AU58, UNC Details (scratched), and MS62! Have to say, I'm very happy with that last one...and I think it adds to the discussion on whether coins can be found roll-hunting that will slab as MS... Thanks! (Oh, and btw...found another one this week!)
Acetone, will NOT turn the copper edge pink. Silver dip will though. As for the black spots? They could be anything but for certain, are not PVC.
Congrats on the grades. BTGW, there's mnothing wrong with reviving a thread to post your grades! Lots of folks actually appreciate it! (Like me!)
