1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1964 25-cent Proof WDDO-004 and cross-referenced as CONECA 2-O-II, this proof Washington Silver Quarter doubled die obverse displays a spread towards the center on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, the designer's initials JF (John Flanagan), the lower queue of Washington's hair ribbon, and the L in LIBERTY. The center-directed (inward) spread means the secondary hub impression was offset toward the die center, creating doubled images that appear inside each primary design element relative to its normal position. The involvement of the lower queue — a hair ribbon detail below Washington's portrait — alongside inscription elements demonstrates the hub displacement affected both text and figural components of the obverse design. Obverse die markers include a die scratch on the left side of the horizontal crossbar of the 4 in the date, while the reverse shows a die scratch running east-southeast from the lower right R in QUARTER to the rim. The CONECA 2-O-II designation identifies this as the second obverse variety in the Class II (distorted hub) category. As a proof issue, this Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets in 90% silver composition, weighing 6.25 grams at 24.3 mm diameter. The 1964 proof holds special significance as the final year of 90% silver proof quarter production — the Coinage Act of 1965 would transition quarters to copper-nickel clad. The proof surfaces amplify the center-directed spread, making the doubled images on IGWT and the date particularly visible against the mirrored fields. The die scratch on the 4's crossbar provides a convenient diagnostic that both confirms the die and directs attention to the doubled date as a primary attribution feature.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann Cross References: CONECA: 2-O-II
• CONECA: 2-O-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1964 25¢ Pr WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References