1945 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008

Description

Tracked by VarietyVista under die marker codes UVC-0524 and DMR-009, the 1945 DDO-008 Washington Silver Quarter presents light spread on the date and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST — a subtle doubled die obverse where the secondary hub impression created a slight but detectable displacement on these inscription elements. The variety is documented across three die states that chart the die's progressive deterioration: Stage A in early die state (EDS), which remains unconfirmed; Stage B in mid-die state (MDS), also unconfirmed; and Stage C in late die state (LDS) where two significant die cracks have developed — one running across the upper hair of Washington's portrait and another extending from the S in PLURIBUS to the eagle's wing beneath AME of AMERICA on the reverse. These late-die-state cracks serve as powerful secondary attribution markers, as their specific paths across the design are unique to this particular die pair. The development of the crack system from the obverse hair detail through to the reverse lettering indicates that both dies in this marriage experienced substantial mechanical stress by their final production period. The Washington Silver Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1945 from 90% silver composition, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 mm. The obverse was originally designed by John Flanagan, adapted from a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon, and the 1945 issue falls within the wartime production period when demand for circulating coinage remained high. The light spread characteristic of this doubled die requires careful examination under magnification to distinguish from die deterioration doubling, and the die state markers — particularly the distinctive LDS crack from PLURIBUS to the eagle's wing — provide essential confirmation for accurate attribution.

Die Markers

• UVC-0524
• DMR-009
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die crack across upper hair – LDS
• Die crack from S of PLURIBUS to wing under AME of AMERICA – LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References