Franklin variety question!

smokincoin

I own this damn thing, but I have no idea what it is! I do know it is one of two at the grade and four total. What is FS-803?

djdilliodon

DDR is what it means

Mercury10c

Ya, it's from the "Cherrypicker's Guide."

smokincoin

<< <i>Ya, it's from the "Cherrypicker's Guide." >>



Thanks and pardon my ignorance, but what is the "Cherrypicker's Guide."?

wiskerchew

Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varities of US Coins. Excellent reference book for error collectors. The FS-803 is now called FS-50-1961-803 in the new 4th edition, volume II. This is the 3rd varitey after the big 1961 DDR with severe doubling on EP Unum - FS-801.

Yours is:

Doubling is very evident on EPU and also on perimeter lettering and the eagle. Worth ~ double the value of a regular '61 proof.

Cameonut

Wiskerchew is right on the mark. It is a doubled die reverse that gets a bit of a premium over the regular proofs. Still a desireable coin to variety collectors but not the BIG doubled die reverse which is FS-801.

smokincoin

Thank you all very much! Guess I'll get rid of it.