Cherrypickers' Guide Listings
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FS-50-1950D-501 RPM (possible OMM) PUPs: D/D South (possible D/S OMM) Rarity: URS-5 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This variety is recognized by many listers as an OMM, but is listed as an RPM in the CONECA Master Listings. The variety needs more study to determine whether it is an OMM or an RPM.
 PCGS MS64FBL
Stage B Markers
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FS-50-1951-801 DDR PUPs: upper bell structure, upper bell supports, bottom of bell, bell inscription, eagle Rarity: URS-4 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This is a relatively new find. Based on the strength of the doubling on the inscription on the bell, we expect this one to become popular.
Stage C Markers
 Image courtesy of John Wexler
Lower left bell die scratches  Image courtesy of John Wexler
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FS-50-1951S-501 RPM PUPs: S/S Southwest Rarity: URS-6 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This variety was once thought to strengthen in the later die stages, but it has been determined that the earlier die stages are actually stronger. The one shown here is a later die stage.
Stage A
 PCGS MS64
Stage C
 PCGS MS64 (CPG Plate)
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FS-50-1952-402 "Scarface" Die Crack PUPs: cheek, neck, upper coat Rarity: URS-4 Cross Reference: none CPG Comments: Coauthor Bill Fivaz affectionately refers to this variety as "Scarface." Note: A 1950 is also known with a similar die crack.
 PCGS MS64FBL/CAC
Die Markers
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FS-50-1956-901 Type I PUPs: eagle Rarity: URS-16 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: The Type II high-relief eagle was introduced to replace the Type I low-relief eagle on Proof coinage starting in 1956, while the low relief eagle was maintained for circulation-strike coinage through 1963. Exceptions are circulation strikes dated 1958 and 1959. A significant number of those (20% for 1958 and about 70% for 1959) were struck from retired obverse and reverse Proof dies. This type appears to make up about 5% of the total mintage of 1956 Proof half dollars.
 NGC PF67
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FS-50-1956-101 DDO PUPs: 56 of date, TRUST, LIBERTY Rarity: URS-6 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: The Proof varieties in this series have proven to be moderately rare. This is found with the Type II reverse (see FS-50-1956-901)..
 NGC PF67*/CAC
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FS-50-1956-802 TDR PUPs: HALF DOLLAR, STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, eagle Rarity: URS-6 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This is a nice one that is barely known to collectors, yet it can still be found with a bit of searching. Note: Cross reference chart in appendices section has the wrong description.
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FS-50-1957D-501 RPM PUPs: D/D Tilted Rarity: URS-7 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: As of this writing, this is the only known RPM for the date. Note: Another similar RPM is known for the date, listed in the Wexler files as WRPM-002 (not listed by CONECA).
 PCGS MS64FBL
Stage A Markers
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FS-50-1959-801 DDR PUPs: E PLURIBUS UNUM, eagle, right bell handle Rarity: URS-10 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This was one of the earliest doubled dies identified by hobbyists; it was referred to as a "Medium Relief" by Frank Spadone in the early 1960s, before it was known to be a dual hubbing (doubled die). It has become a very popular variety.
 PCGS MS65
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FS-50-1959-402 "Goiter" Die Break PUPs: neck/chin Rarity: URS-6 Cross Reference: none CPG Comments: This variety is affectionately called the "Goiter" variety by some. Note: A 1958-D is also known with a similar die break.
 PCGS MS65
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FS-50-1961-801 (013) DDR PUPs: E PLURIBUS UNUM, perimeter lettering, eagle, some bell elements Rarity: URS-9 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This is by far the strongest doubled die in the series, and is easily sold. This coin--which is also our cover coin--has everything going for it: the doubling is dramatic and naked eye visible, it's on a large coin, and the issue is a Proof. Very few have been uncovered in the last five or six years, but check those unopened 1961 Proof sets--you may ring the bell if you find one!
 Images are from the Heritage Auction archives
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FS-50-1961-802 DDR PUPs: E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, eagle Rarity: URS-9 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: While looking for the previous doubled-die reverse, you may find one of these! Note: Cross reference not listed in the 4th edition.
 PCGS PR67CAM
 Image courtesy of Phil Shattuck
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FS-50-1962-901 Possible Misplaced Mintmark PUPs: possible "D" mintmark on bell just to the right of STOW of bell inscription Rarity: URS-3 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This new find could prove to be controversial, but could very well turn out to be an errant D. Even if it is not a Denver mintmark, this could tour out to be as popular as the 1952 so-called "Superbird" Proof quarter due to the character of the flaw, epsecially if it is rare. We need to see a specimen of this coin for further study.
 Image courtesy of Ken Potter
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FS-50-1963-801 DDR PUPs: E PLURIBUS UNUM, dots, lower eagle Rarity: URS-9 Cross Reference: CPG Comments: This variety is found in Mint Sets. A diagnostic of this variety in this stage is the presence of numerous horizontal die scratches connecting the tops of the T and E of UNITED; diagnostics for some stages of this variety are the obvious die scratches seen throughout and connecting TED of UNITED.
 PCGS MS64/CAC 
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