1878-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1878-S WDDO-003 and cross-referenced as VAM 16, this San Francisco Morgan dollar exhibits extensive doubled die obverse characteristics across nearly every major design element. All letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM show doubling, with the E, RI, and M being strongest. LIBERTY is spread to the right, and doubling extends to the wheat grains above LIBERTY, the eyelid, and the back of the ear. All thirteen stars on both sides display some doubling, and all four date digits show it as well. Since dates were added to master dies in 1878, the date doubling represents hub doubling rather than repunching. No significant obverse die markers were noted, but the reverse carries a strong die gouge running northeast to southwest through the eagle's center feathers of the right wing and into the field. Submitted by Joe Groff, this variety is one of the more comprehensively doubled obverse dies in the 1878-S Morgan series, with the breadth of affected elements making it an appealing target for collectors seeking dramatic hub doubling on first-year San Francisco Morgan dollars.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted. Reverse: Strong die gouge NE to SW through eagle's center feathers of right wing into the field.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Joe Groff Cross References: VAM 16
• VAM 16
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References