1926 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team under designation 1926 10-cent WDDO-001, this Mercury Dime doubled die obverse displays a clockwise (CW) spread from a pivot point at approximately 8 o'clock, with the doubling most visible on the ERTY portion of LIBERTY. Adolph A. Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design — popularly known as the "Mercury" Dime due to its resemblance to the Roman messenger god — was struck from 1916 through 1945 and is renowned for its artistic beauty and the technical challenges its high-relief design posed for die production. The 1926 Philadelphia issue was struck without a mintmark, as was standard for the primary mint facility, and production figures were moderate within the series context. Die markers for attribution include an obverse die crack running from the top front of the wing in a north-northeast direction to the rim, along with die scratches running in a southwest-to-northeast orientation on the lower front of the neck. On the reverse, a small die gouge touching the right side of the M in DIME provides an additional diagnostic point. No other cross-references are currently known for this variety, making the Wexler designation the primary attribution. Mercury Dime doubled dies are particularly sought after because the design's fine detail — especially the wing feathers and LIBERTY legend on the obverse — shows doubling with exceptional clarity, and the series' strong collector following ensures consistent market demand for attributed specimens.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas McGowan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1926 10¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References