1878-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

First-year San Francisco Morgan dollars are among the most studied in the series, and WDDO-002 adds a striking doubled die obverse. LIBERTY is actually tripled, with spreads in both eastward and westward directions, while doubling extends across the two left cotton leaves, wheat ears, hair below LIBERTY, the eyelid, nostril, and chin. E PLURIBUS UNUM spreads toward center. Cross-referenced to VAM 29 and VAM 31, indicating at least two reverse pairings. Obverse markers include a gouge between the upper left U of PLURIBUS and the rim, doubling inside the upper left loop of both 8s, and doubling on the upper right side of the 7. On the reverse, an engraved feather appears between the eagle's right wing and leg, and the R in TRUST is unbroken. Submitted by Kyle Kafka, with the pictured example representing the VAM 29 pairing. The tripled LIBERTY is the quickest diagnostic — once found, facial doubling on the eyelid and nostril confirms attribution.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge between upper left U of PLURIBUS and the rim. Both 8's doubled inside upper left loop. 7 doubled on upper right side. Reverse: Engraved feather between eagle's right wing and leg. R in TRUST not broken.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kyle Kafka Cross References: VAM 29 and 31 Comments: Pictured example is the VAM 29 die pairing.
• VAM 29 and 31
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References