1959 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1959 25¢ Pr WDDO-001 and cross-referenced as CONECA 4-O-IV+VIII and Cherrypickers FS-25-1959-101, this proof Washington Silver Quarter displays very strong doubling spread to the south on IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and the lower ribbon beneath Washington's bust. The multi-system cross-referencing — Wexler, CONECA, and Cherrypickers — confirms this variety's significance across all major U.S. die variety cataloging organizations. The dual CONECA classification of IV+VIII indicates both Class IV (Offset Hub Doubling) and Class VIII (Tilted Hub Doubling) mechanisms operated during the hubbing process, creating a complex displacement pattern where elements experienced both lateral offset and angular tilt between successive hub impressions. The very strong southward spread produces clearly separated secondary images below the primary inscriptions, making this variety relatively easy to identify once a candidate coin is located. Obverse die markers include a short diagonal die scratch on the cheek east of the bottom of Washington's nose, while the reverse shows a small die gouge dot on the lower wing feathers just to the right of the bottom of the eagle's left leg. As a proof strike from the Philadelphia Mint, this coin was produced using specially polished dies and planchets, yielding mirror-like fields that enhance the visibility of the strong southward doubling. The Washington Silver Quarter was designed by John Flanagan and struck in 1959 in 90% silver at 6.25 grams with a 24.3 mm diameter. As WDDO-001, this variety holds the premier position in the Wexler catalog for 1959 quarter doubled die obverses, and its Cherrypickers FS designation makes it one of the most sought-after proof quarter varieties from the late silver era.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: 4-O-IV+VIII, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1959-101
• CONECA: 4-O-IV+VIII, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1959-101; Wexler Variety ID: 1959 25¢ Pr WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References