1943-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-021
Error
Description
Attributed by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-0511 and DMR-029, the 1943-S DDO-021 Washington Silver Quarter exhibits light spread on LIBERTY — a single-element doubling pattern where only the LIBERTY inscription on the obverse shows detectable hub displacement while all other design elements fall below the visibility threshold. Three die stages document this working die's progression: Stage A represents the early die state (unconfirmed); Stage B shows mid-die state characteristics including a light die crack in the hair and die scratches running north-south on the obverse, with the reverse also in MDS; Stage C marks the late die state (unconfirmed). The light die crack in Washington's hair during Stage B provides a secondary diagnostic that helps confirm the die identity beyond the light LIBERTY spread alone. The north-south die scratches on the obverse in Stage B offer additional die markers that become visible as the die accumulated use. The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver composition, weighing 6.25 grams at 24.3 mm diameter. The 1943-S was produced during World War II, when the San Francisco Mint maintained silver quarter production alongside wartime nickel composition changes and steel cent production. As DDO-021, this variety occupies a mid-range catalog position among the San Francisco 1943 doubled die obverses, indicating a substantial population of documented varieties for this date-mint combination. The light spread on LIBERTY requires careful examination under magnification, with the Stage B die crack in the hair serving as a useful confirmation feature for establishing this specific die identity.
Die Markers
- UVC-0511
- DMR-029
- Stage A:
- EDS (unconfirmed)
- Stage B:
- Light die crack in hair – MDS
- Die scratches North-South on Obverse
- Reverse is MDS
- Stage C:
- LDS (unconfirmed)
Attribution History
- Discovered by ZAP's coins
- Expert attribution by VarietyVista
External References
Additional Notes
Die Stages and Markers UVC-0511 DMR-029 Stage A: EDS (unconfirmed) Stage B: Light die crack in hair – MDS Die scratches North-South on Obverse Reverse is MDS Stage C: LDS (unconfirmed)
Community & Reference
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