1943 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-020

Description

Identified in the VarietyVista reference under UVC-0306 / DMR-021, this 1943 Washington Silver Quarter DDO-020 presents a multi-zone doubling pattern with medium spread on LIBERTY, the ribbon end, and the digits 43 of the date, accompanied by lighter spread on TRU of TRUST and 19 of the date. The graduated intensity — stronger on some elements and lighter on others — reveals the geometric relationship between each design element's position and the hub displacement vector during the die-making process. Three documented die stages track the pair: Stage A in early die state (EDS, unconfirmed); Stage B in mid-die-state (MDS) with a light die crack running across Washington's upper forehead and hair and the reverse also in MDS; and Stage C with both obverse and reverse in late die state (LDS). The progressive die crack across Washington's forehead in Stage B provides a reliable die-state diagnostic — its absence indicates Stage A, while its presence with minimal surrounding deterioration confirms Stage B. The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's bust of George Washington, with a heraldic eagle reverse. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1943 during World War II, this coin was produced in 90% silver composition (90% silver, 10% copper) weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.26 mm. Wartime Philadelphia Mint quarter production in 1943 was substantial to support the economy's circulating coinage needs. The combination of medium-spread LIBERTY and date doubling makes this variety identifiable under 7x magnification, with the ribbon end doubling serving as a useful secondary confirmation point given the ribbon's high-relief design that amplifies even moderate hub displacement into visible secondary imagery.

Die Markers

• UVC-0306
• DMR-021
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Light die crack across upper forehead and hair – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References