1959-D Franklin Half Dollar--Double Struck, Second Strike 55% Off Center--AU-58 (PCGS).A rare and dramatic major Mint error on a Franklin half dollar. This coin was first struck properly, but then failed to fully eject from the press and received a second strike 55% off center to just before 6 oclock. The result is that the lower obverse exhibits a second portrait, albeit only the top, while on the upper reverse the bottom of a second Liberty Bell is also plainly evident. Also discernible from the second strike are portions of the word LIBERTY (obverse) and the denomination HALF DOLLAR (reverse). Virtually all design elements from the first impression are at least partially discernible, the date sharp and the D mintmark bold. Both sides are lightly toned in sandy-silver patina with much of the original mint luster present. Although not included in therein, the appearance of this example matches that of several double struck coins in the influential reference em100 Greatest U.S. Error Coins/em, including the 1887 Morgan dollar (ranked #6) and the 1923 Peace dollar (ranked #27). Rare, as are all dramatically double struck coins on most classic U.S. Mint series.
