1878 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-011

Description

Doubled tail feathers characterize WDDR-011 on the inaugural 1878 Morgan Dollar, a variety that sits at the intersection of two collecting specialties: doubled die attribution and first-year type collecting. Obverse die markers include a broken left point on the fourth star, die clash evidence on Liberty's lips, polished nostril and lower lip, and a strong die scratch through LIBERTY — an extensive set of secondary diagnostics that distinguish this die from others in the 1878 catalog. The reverse shows the 7/8 tail feather configuration with light die polish lines through the lower olive leaves and knot, placing this variety on the second reverse hub type used during 1878 production. Cross-referenced as VAM 41 (photos needed) and Wexler Variety ID 1878 $1 WDDR-011, the dual attribution confirms recognition across both the VAM and Wexler systems. Philadelphia struck 10,509,550 Morgan Dollars in 1878, the first year of the series mandated by the Bland-Allison Act, using multiple reverse hub designs that created the famous 7TF, 8TF, and 7/8TF varieties. The notation "PHOTOS NEEDED" on the VAM 41 cross-reference indicates an opportunity for collectors possessing this variety to contribute reference imagery. Attributed by the Wexler Team, WDDR-011 rewards patient examination of the tail feather area where the hub doubling is most apparent.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: VAM 41 PHOTOS NEEDED
• VAM 41 PHOTOS NEEDED; Wexler Variety ID: 1878 $1 WDDR-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References