Numismatic

1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar BU (Double Die Obv)

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The 1974 Kennedy half dollar struck at the Denver Mint offers a captivating study in minting anomalies. While the Denver facility produced millions of these fifty-cent pieces, a select group of these coins features a distinct doubling error on the obverse. Specifically, the words "We Trust" within the national motto show a clear double image, a detail that draws the eye of curious observers and coin enthusiasts alike. Aside from this intriguing production variance, the coin showcases the classic design elements of the series. The obverse features a profile bust of President John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts, paired with the year 1974 and the Denver "D" mint mark. On the reverse, Frank Gasparro's design depicts a heraldic eagle clutching a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, surrounded by the inscriptions of the United States of America and the half dollar denomination. This particular specimen is preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, meaning it retains its original luster and sharp details just as it was when it left the coining press. Structurally, the coin is composed of a copper and nickel outer layer bonded to a core of pure copper, representing the modern composition of United States circulating coinage.