1923 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1923 $1 WDDR-003, this Philadelphia Mint Peace Dollar exhibits a close doubled die reverse spread visible on the olive branch and leaves, the rays running through the olive branch and leaves, the rays to the left of the lower back of the eagle, and the tail feathers to the left of the eagle's talons. The close spread affects multiple design elements across the lower reverse, providing several diagnostic zones for attribution. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge extending west from the throat northeast of the top of the E in WE, along with die scratches running southwest to northeast above ST in TRVST. The reverse carries a die scratch under the horizontal bar of the A in PEACE. Note that on Peace Dollars, the motto is spelled TRVST rather than TRUST, a classical Latin rendering chosen by designer Anthony de Francisci. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1923 Philadelphia Peace Dollar had an enormous mintage exceeding 30 million pieces, yet the specific die pair producing WDDR-003 represents a small fraction of that total output. The multiple areas of close reverse spread across the olive branch, rays, and tail feathers give this variety a comprehensive diagnostic profile for collectors examining the reverse design elements.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1923 $1 WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References