1972 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Paired with the scarce Type 2 reverse and designated Wexler 1972 $1 WDDO-001, this Eisenhower dollar combines the most sought-after DDO with the rarest of the three reverse hub types used in 1972 — a pairing that represents one of the most desirable die marriages in the entire Eisenhower dollar series. The Type 2 reverse is distinguished from Types 1 and 3 by subtle differences in the rendering of the Earth below the eagle, particularly the shape and position of Florida and the Caribbean islands, and it was used for only a fraction of the 1972 production run, making Type 2 coins scarce in any die pairing. Combined with the WDDO-001 obverse — which carries hub doubling on Gasparro's portrait with spread visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — the WDDO-001/Type 2 marriage sits at the apex of 1972 Ike dollar collecting. Eisenhower dollar collectors distinguish between the three reverse types through careful measurement and comparison of the Earth features, a process that requires practice and familiarity with published reference photographs. The 1972 Philadelphia Ike dollar saw a total mintage of approximately 75.9 million business strikes, but the Type 2 reverse accounts for only an estimated fraction of that total — perhaps as few as 5-10% — and specimens showing both the WDDO-001 doubling and the Type 2 reverse represent the intersection of two scarce characteristics, commanding significant premiums among knowledgeable collectors.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1972 $1 WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References