1949 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Cataloged as DDO-003 by VarietyVista with universal variety code UVC-072 and die marriage record DMR-002, this 1949 Philadelphia Washington quarter presents strong doubled die obverse characteristics visible on the earlobe, lower hair curls, and queue of Washington's portrait. Three die stages record the variety's progression through production. Stage A in early die state has markers unconfirmed, as does Stage B at mid-die state. Stage C in late die state develops extensive cracking: a die crack runs across the upper hair, another traverses the bust, a third descends down the eagle's right wing to the Q of QUARTER, and a fourth extends from the S of PLURIBUS down the wing to the C of AMERICA. The strength of the spread on the earlobe makes this variety detectable without high magnification, an attribute that elevates its appeal among Washington quarter doubled die collectors. The 1949 Philadelphia quarter had a relatively modest mintage compared to neighboring years in the series, and the combination of a strong obverse spread with well-documented late-die-state cracking makes DDO-003 a rewarding variety to pursue.

Die Markers

• UVC-072
• DMR-002
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die crack across upper hair – LDS
• Die crack across bust
• Die crack down eagle's Right wing to Q of QUARTER – LDS
• Die crack from S of PLURIBUS down wing to C of AMERICA

Attribution History

• Discovered by Michael L. Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References