1966 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team and cross-referenced as CONECA 1-R-I, Cherrypickers' Guide FS-25-1966-801 (026.3), and Wexler Variety ID 1966 25c WDDR-001, this doubled die reverse on the 1966 Washington Quarter displays a strong Class I counterclockwise rotated hub doubling spread on USA, QUARTER DOLLAR, EPU (E PLURIBUS UNUM), and the lower wreath details. Two die stages are documented: Stage A (EDS) shows no notable markers on either side; Stage B reveals both obverse and reverse heavily abraded, probably to remove die clash marks — evidence that the Mint attempted to repair clash damage on this die pair during its service life. The Class I CCW rotation indicates the secondary hub impression was turned counterclockwise relative to the primary impression, creating an arc-shaped displacement pattern that increases in magnitude with distance from the rotation center. The strong intensity classification combined with the Cherrypickers' Guide listing (FS-25-1966-801) establishes this as a significant, collector-recognized variety worthy of premium valuation. The 1966 Washington Quarter is numismatically notable as a transition-era coin: struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the new copper-nickel clad composition (outer 75% Cu, 25% Ni bonded to pure Cu core) adopted after the Coinage Act of 1965 ended silver in circulating coinage. Weighing 5.67 grams with a 24.3 mm diameter, 1966 coins carry no mintmark regardless of production facility. As WDDR-001, this variety holds the primary reversed doubled die catalog position for the 1966 quarter. The heavily abraded Stage B surfaces indicate this die pair was subjected to aggressive die maintenance, and collectors may find that Stage B specimens show softened design details alongside the doubling characteristics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ron Pope Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-I, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1966-801 (026.3)
• CONECA: 1-R-I, Cherrypickers: FS-25-1966-801 (026.3); Wexler Variety ID: 1966 25¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References