1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1964 25¢ Pr WDDO-007, this proof Washington Quarter from the final year of 90% silver composition displays a very close spread directed toward the rim on LIBERTY. No significant die markers have been noted on either the obverse or reverse, meaning attribution depends entirely on identifying the subtle outward-directed doubling on the LIBERTY inscription. The "very close" proximity classification indicates the separation between primary and secondary letter images is extremely narrow — tighter than merely "close" — requiring high magnification and optimal lighting conditions to resolve the doubled image from what might initially appear as slightly thickened letterforms. The rimward direction means the secondary hub impression shifted LIBERTY's letters slightly outward toward the coin's periphery, producing a secondary image that sits between the primary letters and the rim. On John Flanagan's obverse, LIBERTY arcs across the top above George Washington's portrait, and the outward-directed spread creates a subtle shadow effect on the rim-facing edges of each letter. The 1964 proof Washington Quarter holds exceptional numismatic significance as the last year of 90% silver proof quarters: the Coinage Act of 1965 ended silver coinage for circulating denominations, and proof quarters would not return to silver composition until special collector editions decades later. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets with mirror-finish dies at 6.25 grams of 90% silver, these proofs were available exclusively through annual proof sets. The reflective proof surfaces, while enhancing contrast, can paradoxically make very close spread more challenging to detect because the mirror finish may overwhelm subtle doubling under direct light — angled raking light under 10x or higher magnification provides the best viewing conditions for resolving the rimward spread on LIBERTY.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1964 25¢ Pr WDDO-007
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References