1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

One of the more dramatic proof varieties in the Washington Quarter series, this 1956 WDDO-003 was attributed by the Wexler Team and features counterclockwise tripled die spread — an unusually strong hub impression where three distinct positions are visible on LIBERTY, the 56 of the date, and the lower queue of Washington's hair. Tripled dies are considerably scarcer than standard doubled dies, requiring three separate hub impressions with positional variation during die manufacture. A strong die gouge on the upper I in LIBERTY provides a quick-identification marker. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint for inclusion in 1956 proof sets, this variety was produced using specially polished dies and planchets with multiple striking impressions to achieve the mirror-like fields and frosted devices that characterize proof coinage. The 90% silver composition adds intrinsic value to an already scarce variety. Washington Quarter proof issues from the 1950s remain popular among collectors who examine their sets for unattributed varieties, and the tripled spread on WDDO-003 is strong enough to attract attention even without magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 25¢ Pr WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References