1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Eleventh in the sequence of cataloged 1971-S proof Eisenhower Dollar doubled die obverses, WDDO-011 carries the Wexler designation 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-011 and originates from the San Francisco Mint's inaugural production year of the Eisenhower Dollar series. Frank Gasparro's obverse portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower — depicting the 34th president facing left with a strong jawline and military bearing — served as the standard obverse from the series' 1971 debut through its 1978 conclusion. The 1971-S proof silver issue holds particular significance because it was struck in 40% silver (outer layers of 80% silver over a core of 20.9% silver) at a total weight of 24.59 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm, making it substantially larger than any other circulating U.S. denomination and providing an expansive canvas for hub doubling to manifest across the design. San Francisco's 1971 proof production generated enough working dies to produce at least eleven distinct DDO varieties, reflecting both the high production volume and the statistical reality that larger dies experience proportionally more hub alignment challenges during manufacture. Collectors should examine the LIBERTY inscription, the date numerals, and the fine hair detail above Eisenhower's ear under 7x magnification with angled lighting to identify the directional spread characteristic of this particular working die.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References