1947 Washington Quarter - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the designer's initials JF distinguishes this second doubled die obverse for the 1947 Washington Quarter. VarietyVista cataloged the variety with die markers UVC-0639 and DMR-003, recording three die stages: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die state (unconfirmed), and Stage C with both obverse and reverse in late die state. The late die state confirmation on Stage C suggests this die saw extended service before retiring, consistent with the high production demands of post-war Philadelphia Mint operations. The 1947 Washington Quarter was struck in 90% silver composition during the post-World War II economic boom, when demand for circulating coinage surged as consumer spending increased. John Flanagan's Washington portrait, adapted from the Jean-Antoine Houdon bust, carried LIBERTY across the top and the IN GOD WE TRUST motto under Washington's chin — both inscriptions where extra thickness doubling becomes detectable. The designer's initials JF at the base of Washington's neck are small enough that even modest hub misalignment produced visible thickening. Extra thickness doubling results from hub impressions entering the die at slightly different depths, broadening design elements without the lateral displacement characteristic of other doubled die classes.

Die Markers

• UVC-0639
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

External References