1937 (D) Washington Quarter - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged as Wexler 1937-D 25-cent WDDO-001, this Denver Mint Washington Quarter displays a close clockwise spread on the date, the bottom of the ribbon, and slightly on IN GOD WE TRUST. The clockwise (CW) directionality indicates that the hub shifted in a rotational manner between impressions during die manufacture, producing doubling that is consistent in direction across all affected design elements. While the spread is described as close — meaning the separation between primary and secondary images is narrow — the doubling on the date numerals typically provides the clearest attribution point under magnification. Specific die markers aid in confirming attribution: the obverse shows a die scratch running NNW-to-SSE inside the letter U of TRUST, while the reverse displays a short horizontal die gouge between the S and T in STATES and a die scratch extending NNE from the lower right of the second A in AMERICA. These die-specific markers are particularly valuable because they persist across all die states, providing constant reference points that supplement the doubling itself. Washington Quarter doubled dies from the 1930s are scarce, as the series was still in its early years and collector awareness of die varieties was minimal during that era.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1937-D 25¢ WDDO-001

External References