1972-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Representing the second year of Eisenhower Dollar production, this 1972-S Proof Silver WDDO-003 carries doubled die obverse characteristics worthy of specialist attention. The 1972-S silver proof Ike was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 40% silver for direct sale to collectors, continuing the program launched the previous year. Frank Gasparro's obverse portrait of President Eisenhower and his Apollo 11 reverse design remained unchanged from 1971, though new working dies were prepared each production year, introducing fresh opportunities for hubbing errors. The WDDO-003 designation indicates this is the third cataloged doubled die obverse for this date, a smaller count than the eighteen-plus varieties identified for the 1971-S, possibly reflecting lower die production volume. Eisenhower Dollars of 1972 are perhaps best known for the dramatic 1972 Type II reverse variety on Philadelphia business strikes, but the San Francisco proof silver issues carry their own variety landscape. This variety is cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S $1 Pr WDDO-003. Accurate attribution requires verification of doubling characteristics and die markers against published references.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S $1 Pr WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References