1961 FRANKLIN HALF DD REV DIE 2

[rbroederer]

I just bought a stunning 1961 Franklin Proof in an older ANACS Holder. The holder says "DD REV DIE 2". I am not clear as to what that holder nomenclature means. I have tried to match it up with a DDR-002 from VV with little success. I have attached some pics of the coin and could use some help. Thoughts or comments?

[mustbebob]

I can certainly understand your confusion here. To me, your coin looks nothing like the doubled die listed for VV DDR-002, and I would suspect that's what the coin was submitted as. However, the value of this coin is in the PF 66 designation. A nice high grade for the coin. I am afraid that unless the person who actually submitted it for grading could tell us, anything else would be a guess. Have you looked up this coin in the ANACS database to see if any other info is there?

[rbroederer]

Hello Bob, Yes, I did consult the ANACS pop for guidance. Die 1 appears to be FS-802 which is listed on VV as DDR-001. Die 3 appears to be FS-801 which is listed on VV as DDR-003. Die 4 appears to be FS-803 which is listed on VV as DDR-004. With that said it makes perfectly good sense to assume that Die 2 is DDR-002. The doubling in the subject coin is most evident using a 20X loupe. I do see similarities in EPU especially the shape of the E, P and Us. I do not see any of the later Stage C die markers. I am wondering if it is an earlier stage coin it is s making the matching on the pictures more difficult. The doubling in EPU seems to be the most towards the rim and goes away by Right Dot, the 'B' and the 'M'. The doubling on the eagle is more evident towards the rim (eagles left wing) and not on the eagles right wing. if any of that helps. I just don't seem to be able to pick up the doubling with my USB Microscope...any thoughts on a higher caliber Microscope that takes pictures?

[mustbebob]

any thoughts on a higher caliber Microscope that takes pictures?

I'm afraid I can't help you there. I use a manual stereo scope that I put a camera up to the lens with a PVC adapter.

This is a case where die markers would definitely help. I think you probably have it right in that it was submitted at the die-002 and that's what ANACS put on the label. As I mentioned before, the premium on this coin would be condition. Even if the variety was proven, it wouldn't add much (if anything) to the coin's value. (personal opinion).

[jcuve]

It could be one of two things:
ANACS made a mistake.
This was listed as an older DDR-002 listing that has now been delisted (which I doubt).

This is an older slab and that'll just make it harder to figure out.

[rbroederer]

Here are some new pictures which show much more detail.

[rbroederer]

UPDATE: I have finally resolved the issue with this coin and holder. The clue came from Wexler's Doubled Die Listing which stated "Cross References: CONECA: 4-R-II (DDR-004), Cherrypickers: FS-50-1961-803, Flynn: DDR-002". The "DIE 2" listed on the ANACS slab is referring to Kevin Flynn's DDR-002 (of Authoritative Reference on Franklin Half Dollars by Kevin Flynn (2012-08-02) and not VV DDR-002. The pictures I posted do match CONECA 1961 DDR-004, PR-4-II-C and Wexler's WDDR-003. All of which are also FS-1961-50-803. This coin has such magnificent rainbow toning (see attached pic) that it needs to be in a PCGS Gold Shield Holder with TrueView Imaging and can be now with the FS-50-1961-803 listing.

[MintErrors]

...any thoughts on a higher caliber Microscope that takes pictures?

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There are better solutions than the AMSCOPE brand,but I personally like them for having a well built line of microscopes. I have two stereo trinocular microscopes with at least a 14mp microscope digital camera. In my opinion, these are some of the best choices I have made to help me go further into the Numismatic field.

Have a look at this post. It is always up to the individual on whether or not they wish to purchase a microscope, and the type, magnification needed along with the type of camera if desired, to purchase.

https://minterrors.org/microscope-fo...d-photographs/