1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1963 25¢ WDDO-011, this Washington Silver Quarter doubled die obverse exhibits a close spread directed toward the center on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST (abbreviated IGWT in attribution shorthand). Center-directed spread is a distinctive displacement pattern indicating the secondary hub impression was pushed inward toward the die's center relative to the primary impression, creating doubling that converges rather than diverges — the ghost image sits inside (centerward of) the primary letters rather than outside. The obverse die carries multiple diagnostic markers: a die gouge to the left of the center of Washington's nose, a short vertical die gouge to the right of the bottom of the Y in LIBERTY, and numerous die scratches running throughout the obverse surface. The reverse shows a short die scratch running northeast from the bottom of the L in PLURIBUS. No other cross-references are known. Within the Washington Silver Quarters series (1932-1964), the 1963 date represents the penultimate year of 90% silver composition before the switch to copper-nickel clad in 1965. Philadelphia's 1963 quarter mintage of approximately 74.3 million pieces generated sufficient working dies for at least eleven documented DDO entries. The numerous die scratches across the obverse surface noted in the die markers suggest this particular working die may have been subjected to unusual handling or polishing during its preparation, as such extensive field scratches are not typical of carefully maintained proof dies but are more consistent with business-strike die conditions. The IGWT motto's position on the obverse — below the truncation of Washington's bust — places the doubling in an area that receives moderate wear in circulation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1963 25¢ WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References