1946-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

San Francisco's contribution to postwar Washington Quarter doubled die varieties, this 1946-S WDDO-002 shows spread towards the center affecting the date, the bottom of the ribbon on Washington's ponytail, and slightly on LIBERTY. The inward displacement is characteristically subtle on peripheral elements like LIBERTY while showing more clearly on centrally positioned features like the date and ribbon. Obverse die markers provide reliable identification: two strong parallel north-south die scratches appear to the left of the upper nose and lower forehead on Washington's portrait — prominent enough to serve as primary diagnostics. On the reverse, a short strong die scratch runs north-northeast from the top of the O in DOLLAR, offering a secondary confirmation point. Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 90% silver San Francisco issue was produced during the immediate postwar period. The combination of date, ribbon, and LIBERTY doubling gives collectors three separate examination zones for detection.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1946-S 25¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References