1955 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Not to be confused with the legendary 1955 DDO Lincoln cent, WDDO-001 on the 1955 proof Washington quarter documents extra thickness and some separation spread toward the center on both IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. This proof issue was struck at Philadelphia in 90% silver composition, with proof sets produced in quantities of approximately 378,200 that year. The Wexler Team cataloged this as Wexler Variety ID: 1955 25c Pr WDDO-001, noting that the examined specimen exhibited significant mechanical doubling on both obverse and reverse — a critical observation because mechanical doubling (also called machine doubling or strike doubling) is a completely different phenomenon from hub doubling, occurring during the striking process rather than during die manufacture. The distinction matters because mechanical doubling reduces rather than enhances numismatic value. The genuine hub doubling on IGWT and LIBERTY shows extra thickness and some directional separation toward the center, characteristics that distinguish it from the flat, shelf-like appearance of mechanical doubling. No significant die markers were noted on either surface. John Flanagan's Washington portrait on the obverse carries the LIBERTY and IGWT inscriptions in the zones most commonly affected by hub doubling on this denomination. The proof status means these coins received multiple die impressions on polished planchets, and the 1955 proof quarter's low production relative to later years contributes additional scarcity to any documented die variety from this date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known Comments: The specimen examined had significant mechanical doubling on both the obverse and the reverse.
• None known Comments: The specimen examined had significant mechanical doubling on both the obverse and the reverse.; Wexler Variety ID: 1955 25¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References