Many bank roll hunters sift through thousands of half dollars each week, searching for 90% silver 1964 JFK halves or 40% silver 1965-70 halves. If you do this, look closely at the 1964-D silver coins for errors and repunched mint marks. Also inspect 1972-D clad halves for missing designer initials and 1974-D clad halves for doubled dies.
A double-die error occurs during the minting process. A Mint operator strikes the die twice to transfer the devices and details from the hub. But if that hub moves slightly between strikes, you get that doubled impression.
When a Mint employee punches the mint mark more than once, you get the repunched mintmark.
As you search bank rolls for silver, make sure you check the 1964-D halves for doubled dies and repunched mintmarks. Also, look for a 1972-D No “FG” and 1974-D DDO
1972-D No “FG”
This is a rare variety easily identified. The designer initials, FG for Frank Gasparro, is missing on the reverse (see above).
These is a valuable error, selling in the high hundreds for almost uncirculated coins and in the thousands for mint state examples, considered ultra/condition rarities.
1974-D Doubled Die Obverse
You might need a loupe or coin microscope to identify these. Look for the doubled in “In” and “S” and “T” of the motto.
Auction hammer prices range from $50-100 in low mint state to gem and more than $300 in higher grades.
1964-D DDO
If you are lucky to find 1964-D silver half dollars, get out that loupe again and look for doubling in the “N” of “In,” the “E” in “We,” and the “U,” “S, ” and “T” of “Trust.”
This is a scarce coin, as fewer than anticipated have been holdered. You can readily find these. A gem example sells for about $150.
1964-D Quadrupled Die Obverse
The quadrupled doubled die involves the “U” of “Trust.” Low mint state examples sell for about $100-125. In gem MS65, auction prices hover between $300-350.
1964-D/D RPM FS-501/504
The 1964-D/D RPM half is highly sought. It has several key diagnostics. The “D” mint mark is doubled. The RPM, or reversed planchet mint, means the coin was struck on a flipped planchet with the reverse side struck on the obverse and obverse on reverse. The FS-501/504 codes refer to flipping strike variants.
These retail for about $300 in gem MS65 and about $100-150 in lower mint states.
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