1937 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Submitted by Joe Feld and cataloged under the Wexler variety identification 1937 25-cent WDDO-003, this Washington Silver Quarter doubled die obverse displays a close spread towards the east on IN GOD WE TRUST. The eastward (rightward) spread indicates that the die shifted slightly to the right between hub impressions during the hubbing process, duplicating the motto letters with a secondary image appearing to the east of the primary impression. While the obverse die markers originally noted were "none noted," the reverse die carries useful diagnostics: die scratches can be found above and below the branch north of the D in DOLLAR, providing secondary attribution confirmation for collectors who have identified a potential DDO candidate. John Flanagan's Washington Quarter design was only five years old in 1937, and the relatively fresh hubs and master dies of this early production period were being refined as the Mint optimized its processes for the new design. No cross-references to other cataloging systems have been established, making the Wexler designation the sole attribution pathway. The 1937 Philadelphia Mint struck a relatively modest 7.19 million quarters — depressed by lingering Depression-era economic conditions — meaning fewer die pairs were consumed than in later higher-mintage years. A small number of die pairs reduces the total population of potential doubled dies but also means that each individual variety represents a larger fraction of the total production. WDDO-003 documents one of these early Washington Quarter hub doubling events, contributing to the die variety record of the series' formative years.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Joe Feld Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1937 25¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References