1971-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Distinguished from the more prominent WDDR-001 by its different spread characteristics, this third doubled die reverse for the 1971-S proof Washington Quarter shows a close spread towards the rim on USA (strongest on AMERICA), EPU (E PLURIBUS UNUM), and the eagle's head — the outward spread direction contrasting with the centripetal patterns found on some other DDRs. Notably, WDDR-003 lacks some of the noticeable split serifs on EPU that WDDR-001 has, a comparative diagnostic that helps attributors distinguish between the two varieties. Die markers include die scratches on the rim above the TY in LIBERTY and a die gouge left of the L in LIBERTY on the obverse, with a die gouge between the leaves above the LA in DOLLAR on the reverse. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S 25¢ Pr WDDR-003, with no other cross-references currently known. The 1971-S proof quarter was struck at San Francisco as part of the annual proof set, which had a mintage of approximately 3.22 million in the copper-nickel clad composition that replaced silver for proof quarters after 1964. John Flanagan's heraldic eagle reverse, with its detailed feathers, wreath, and bold text, provides rich geometry for detecting outward-directed hub doubling. Three DDRs for the 1971-S proof quarter documents a date where variety researchers have found multiple distinct doubled die events across the proof production run, each die carrying its own unique combination of spread direction, magnitude, and affected design elements.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S 25¢ Pr WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References