1961 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010

Description

Tenth in the census of doubled die obverses for the 1961 Philadelphia Washington quarter, DDO-010 shows light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and the ribbon end on the lower obverse. The substantial number of DDO varieties for this date reflects both the high mintage — over 37.0 million quarters — and thorough examination by the die variety community. This 90% silver quarter was produced three years before the switch to clad composition. Reported by ZAP's coins, DDO-010 documents a hub-to-die transfer error affecting three distinct zones simultaneously: the motto inscription, the date numerals, and the decorative ribbon element below Washington's bust. Light spread on the ribbon end provides an unusual diagnostic not shared by most other 1961 DDOs, where doubling more commonly concentrates on the legend text. Collectors should examine silver Washington quarters from this period carefully, as the soft luster of 90% silver surfaces can make light doubling easier to spot than on later clad issues.

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