1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Silver-composition Washington Quarters from the pre-war era carry both numismatic and precious metal significance, and WDDO-003 of the 1940-S Washington Quarter adds a doubled die variety to this collectible date. Attributed by the Wexler Team as Wexler 1940-S 25c WDDO-003, this variety exhibits spread to the east on IN GOD WE TRUST, the motto above Washington's head on the obverse. Die markers include numerous horizontal die scratches through the vertical bar of L in LIBERTY, providing a distinctive confirming diagnostic. An additional marker appears as a die crack across the base of the bust into the lower ribbon, indicating progressive deterioration alongside the hub-doubling feature. The 1940-S was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at the San Francisco Mint, part of the final generation of pre-war silver coinage. San Francisco's quarter production during this period was generally more modest than Philadelphia's, lending S-mint varieties added collector interest. The combination of spread on the motto and multiple die markers makes WDDO-003 a well-documented variety within the early Washington Quarter series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-S 25¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References