1951 Variety WMHO-001

Description

Unlike a standard doubled die that originates on a single working die, WMHO-001 traces its doubling to the master hub itself — the steel original from which all working hubs, and in turn all working dies, were produced. Because the Philadelphia Mint used this master hub from 1951 through 1954, every Washington Quarter struck during that four-year span carries the same clockwise spread pivoting from approximately the 3:00 position, visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. The designation WMHO stands for Wexler Master Hub Obverse, and CONECA classifies this as SD-4-O-V. Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1951 25-cent WMHO-001, the variety appears on regular strike Philadelphia issues bearing no mintmark. Variations in doubling strength across individual coins reflect differences in working hub wear, working die wear, and circulation wear rather than distinct die events. This first year of the hub`s service theoretically shows the freshest impression, before cumulative use began softening the master hub`s surfaces. Collectors should examine IGWT under magnification to confirm the moderate clockwise displacement that defines this enduring master hub variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: SD-4-O-V Comments: Because the master hub is designed to be used over a period of several years, this one was used during the period from 1951 through 1954. Consequently most Washington quarters during that period of time will show this doubling. Differences in the appearance of the doubling will be due to wear on the working hubs, wear on the working dies, and wear on the coins themselves.
• CONECA: SD-4-O-V Comments: Because the master hub is designed to be used over a period of several years, this one was used during the period from 1951 through 1954. Consequently most Washington quarters during that period of time will show this doubling. Differences in the appearance of the doubling will be due to wear on the working hubs, wear on the working dies, and wear on the coins themselves.; Wexler Variety ID: 1951 25¢ WMHO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References