1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

An extremely close spread directed toward the center appears on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date of this 1962 Washington Silver Quarter, cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1962 25c WDDO-004 with no other known cross-references. Center-directed spread (also called convergent spread) means the secondary hub impression shifted inward relative to the primary image — the doubled letters of IGWT and the date numerals carry secondary contours that sit slightly inside or below the primary strokes, creating an extra thickness or shadow effect that differs visually from the more common outward or directional spreads. Die markers on the obverse are extensive: a short die gouge extends northwest from the upper left of the first T in TRUST, another runs northwest from the center left of the B in LIBERTY, and short gouges run northwest from the lower left of both the T and Y in LIBERTY. This cluster of northwest-trending gouges on the obverse creates a distinctive fingerprint for the die. On the reverse, a die crack runs down the eagle's right wing, providing a quick confirmation point without needing to examine the fine doubling detail. The 1962 Washington Quarter was struck in 90% silver (6.25 grams, 24.3 mm diameter) at the Philadelphia Mint, placing it near the end of the silver-composition era for quarters. As WDDO-004, this is the fourth doubled die obverse documented for the date, within a Washington Quarter series that spans 1932 to 1998 in the original design.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ralph Huntzinger Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 25¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References