1892 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Submitted by Charlie Nowack through Dave Wilson and cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1892 25¢ WDDO-001, this inaugural-year Barber Quarter presents a Class II spread toward the rim visible on all left stars, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the bottom of the ribbons — a substantial hub displacement affecting multiple obverse design elements. Extensively cross-referenced as Cherrypickers FS-25-1892-301 (though removed in the 6th Edition), Lawrence L-106, and Flynn DDO-001, this variety has a documented history in multiple attribution catalogs. The obverse is also cataloged as WRPD-001, a repunched date with the 18 showing repunching, creating a dual DDO/RPD variety on a single obverse die. Die cracks run from the upper right of the 2 northeast through the base of the bust to the first star, connecting most stars on the right, with an additional die crack from the rim at 5:00 running north-northwest to the ear. Obverse die markers include short vertical die scratches in the upper ear. No reverse markers are noted. The 1892 Barber Quarter was designed by Charles E. Barber and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver composition weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.26 mm. As the first year of the Barber design series that would continue through 1916, the 1892 date carries special significance for type collectors and series specialists alike. The extensive die crack network connecting the date, bust, and right stars documents severe structural deterioration across the die face, suggesting this die was retained in service well past the point where cracks had compromised most of the right side. The combination of doubled die obverse and repunched date from the series' inaugural year makes this one of the more historically notable Barber Quarter varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jack Gorby Cross References: Cherrypickers: FS-25-1892-301 (Removed in 6th Edition), Lawrence: L-106, Flynn: DDO-001
• Cherrypickers: FS-25-1892-301 (Removed in 6th Edition), Lawrence: L-106, Flynn: DDO-001; Wexler Variety ID: 1892 25¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References