1950 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Exhibiting a dual-manifestation doubling pattern across four obverse elements, DDO-002 on the 1950 Philadelphia Washington Quarter presents light spread combined with medium extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, Washington's hair queue, and LIBERTY. Lee Hiemke reported this variety. The coexistence of light spread and medium extra thickness indicates a hub displacement at the boundary between separated and near-coincident secondary images — some letter strokes and design features display measurable offset between primary and secondary impressions (spread) while others show broadened strokes where the secondary impression landed nearly atop the primary (extra thickness). Washington's hair queue — the braided ponytail gathered at the back of the neck on John Flanagan's portrait — is a particularly diagnostic pickup point because its fine, parallel braid lines translate even modest hub displacement into visibly doubled or thickened strands. The queue's involvement alongside three inscription areas means the doubling affected both the sculptural portrait detail and the text elements across multiple zones of the obverse. The 1950 Washington Quarter was struck in 90% silver at 6.25 grams during a period of modest Philadelphia Mint production, lending the date mild scarcity in higher grades. As DDO-002, this variety occupies the secondary catalog position behind DDO-001 for the date, and the dual-manifestation pattern provides a rich diagnostic framework with multiple confirmation points. Collectors should begin at the queue under 7x to 10x magnification, where the medium extra thickness on the braid lines provides the most visually accessible diagnostic feature.

External References