1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Produced as a proof at the Philadelphia Mint during the era when all proof coinage originated from that facility, the 1956 WDDO-004 shows a close Class II spread towards the center on the upper 6 in the date and the bottom of the ribbon on this Washington quarter. Class II doubling from a distorted hub creates a convergent spread pattern, and here the displacement is concentrated in the lower portion of the design. The reverse provides three die markers: a die gouge appearing as a dot on the upper right wing, a vertical die scratch on the lower right wing above the uppermost leaf, and a short horizontal die scratch near the top of the left wing. No significant obverse die markers were noted. This variety is cataloged under the Wexler designation 1956 25¢ Pr WDDO-004. Proof Washington quarters from the 1950s were struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields that can make hub doubling more visible due to heightened contrast between frosted design elements and reflective surfaces. Collectors of proof Washington quarter varieties should examine the upper loop of the 6 and the ribbon terminal under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jose’ Cortez Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 25¢ Pr WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References