1937 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1937 25¢ WDDO-001 and extensively cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-V, Cherrypickers FS-25-1937-101 (012), and Breen #4287, this Washington Silver Quarter displays a clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 12 o'clock, visible on the date and slightly on IN GOD WE TRUST. The CW rotational spread from a top-center pivot means the secondary hub impression was rotated slightly clockwise relative to the primary, causing displacement that increases with distance from the pivot point — making the date at the bottom of the coin the area of greatest visible separation. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running northeast from the queue (ponytail) just above the bow, a curving die scratch below the TR in TRUST, and a die scratch running southeast from the upper right of the B in LIBERTY, with circular die scratches found throughout the obverse. Reverse die markers show none noted. Submitted by Joe Feld, this variety was discovered on the 1937 Philadelphia Mint Washington Quarter, struck in 90% silver composition (6.25 grams, 24.26 mm diameter). The Breen #4287 cross-reference places this variety in Walter Breen's comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins, confirming its long-recognized status in numismatic literature. John Flanagan designed the Washington Quarter obverse based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's bust of George Washington, and the heraldic eagle reverse served from 1932 through 1998. The 1937 Philadelphia mintage of approximately 7.2 million pieces was moderate by Depression-era standards, and the Cherrypickers listing confirms this as a variety actively sought by variety specialists examining Washington Quarter sets.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jim Lafferty Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1937-101 (012), Breen: #4287
• CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1937-101 (012), Breen: #4287; Wexler Variety ID: 1937 25¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References