1945 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-007

Description

Cataloged as DDR-007 by VarietyVista, this 1945 Washington quarter doubled die reverse exhibits a light spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the final year of World War II, the coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a 24.3 mm diameter. This silver composition was maintained throughout the war years for quarters, unlike cents and nickels which underwent wartime alloy changes. Tracked under Universal Variety Code UVC-0542 and Die Marker Reference DMR-027, the die progresses through three documented states: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed); Stage B at mid die state where both the reverse and obverse are at MDS; and Stage C at late die state where a die crack extends from the eagle's right wing to the Q of QUARTER and the obverse is also at LDS. The die crack progression from the eagle's wing to the Q of QUARTER tells a compelling story of die fatigue, as the metal fracture grew in length as more coins were struck. The light spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is characteristic of a minor Class II distorted hub doubling effect. John Flanagan's heraldic eagle reverse design on the Washington quarter, featuring the eagle perched with wings spread above a bundle of arrows and olive branch, provides clear lettering around the periphery where this type of doubling can be detected. This variety belongs to the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series, and the Philadelphia Mint produced over 74 million quarters in 1945.

Die Markers

• UVC-0542
• DMR-027
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack eagle's Right wing to Q of QUARTER – LDS
• Obverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lee Hiemke
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References