1878 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Paired with the Reverse of 1878 tail feather configuration, this Philadelphia Morgan dollar carries Wexler Variety ID 1878 $1 WDDO-009 and is cross-referenced as VAM 4 and VAM 17. The doubling manifests across multiple design elements with varying intensity. Strong serif notches appear on all letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM, with the R of PLURIBUS and the first N of UNUM showing the strongest separation. The dots flanking EPU are noticeably thickened. All thirteen stars display separation at their points. The date is moderately doubled on the right side, most visible on the 1 and 7. Lighter doubling affects the inside of the ear, lower hair details, LIBERTY, upper lip, and eyelash. Obverse die markers include a short gouge on the left inside lower loop of the first 8 in the date, light die scratches behind Liberty's eye, polish lines in the lower hair, and light nostril polishing. The reverse die corresponds to WDDR-010, forming an 8 tail feather die pair linking doubled obverse and reverse characteristics on a single coin.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler (Photos by Brian Allen) Cross References: VAM 4 and 17
• VAM 4 and 17; Wexler Variety ID: 1878 $1 WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References