1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1962 25-cent Pr WDDO-003 with cross-references to CONECA 2-O-II, this third doubled die obverse for the 1962 proof Washington Quarter displays a strong spread toward the center on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the date, the designer's initials (JF for John Flanagan), and the bottom of the ribbon holding Washington's queue. The centripetal spread direction — toward the center — indicates a Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) classification where the hub distortion caused the secondary impression to contract inward relative to the primary image. This centripetal vector is diagnostically distinctive because it produces doubled images that appear thicker or heavier rather than the laterally offset ghost images typical of directional doubling classes. Obverse die markers include a small die gouge (dot) between the lower W and E of WE. The reverse carries a short vertical die gouge between the lower E and R in AMERICA. The 1962 proof Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 6.25 grams and 24.3 mm diameter, with proof sets produced for collector sale. The strong spread across five distinct design elements — inscription, motto, date, initials, and ribbon — makes WDDO-003 one of the more visually dramatic proof Washington Quarter varieties, where the centripetal doubling creates a comprehensive thickening effect across the obverse that is particularly striking against the mirror-finish proof fields.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis Cross References: CONECA: 2-O-II
• CONECA: 2-O-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 25¢ Pr WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References