1969 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Tripled Die - What Is This?

Very awesome find! That doubling is SUPER clear.

Not in the 5th Edition CPicker's. They only list a 1968 S and 1970 S.

Goodness. I really can't believe there is something this strong still floating around waiting to be discovered. I'll crack it out this afternoon and post a full image set.

Interesting. That die does look like it's got some tripling in there, but VV lists that example as Stage A. Either they can't age proof dies correctly or it's not an earlier die state.

It's in an old proof set, so no grade involved.

Great pictures

I don't think your half would attribute as CONECA listed 69S DDO-001 or DDO-002, they both have the RDV-003 (straight G), yours, in your photo, looks like it has the RDV-002 (flared G). Have you considered you half could be an example of the Master Die, 69S MDO-001?
In the CONECA listings for the 69D MDO-001 (D, S) Wiles shows RDV-002 and RDV-003. For the 69S MDO-001 (D, S) he only shows RDV-003. In his Kennedy half dollar Book for the reverse description he said, A few of the old design reverse dies were available and used for a small percentage of the mintage. Could your 69S DDO have come from one of those dies?
Attached are copies of what I just referenced and photos of a 69D MDO-001 later die state, from my collection. I have not seen a MDO example of a 69S.


1969-D MDO-001 Designation: MD-1-O-II-C (3) (D, S)
Description: Medium spread on LI, with notched corners on I of LIBERTY and IN GOD, and light triple on earlier hub states of WE TRUST, 69 of date, hair under R and Y of LIBERTY
Grade: MS65
Population: 1
Markers: Obverse is ODV-002a (MDO)
Strength of doubling will vary depending upon hub and die state
UVC-143 DMR-001 Reverse is RDV-002 (Flared G)
UVC-144 DMR-002 Reverse is RDV-003 (Straight G)
Reported by: Ed Raser


1969-S MDO-001 Designation: MD-1-O-II-C (3) (D, S)
Description: Medium spread on LI, with notched corners on I of LIBERTY and IN GOD, and light triple on earlier hub states of WE TRUST, 69 of date, hair under R and Y of LIBERTY
Grade: PR65
Population: 1
Markers: Obverse is ODV-002a
Strength of doubling will vary depending upon hub and die state
UVC-149 DMR-001 Reverse is RDV-003 (Straight G)
Reported by: Ed Raser