1968-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

A proof-only doubled die obverse on the 1968-S Washington quarter, DDO-003 shows light doubling on both LIBERTY and the date — two separated design elements whose simultaneous doubling suggests a rotational or tilted component to the hub misalignment. The San Francisco Mint resumed proof production in 1968 after the three-year hiatus of 1965-1967 when Special Mint Sets replaced traditional proofs during the coin shortage crisis. This proof quarter was paired with reverse die variety RDV-007, as noted in the comments attribution. Reported by Michael L. Ellis, this variety documents a working die from the early years of the resumed proof program, when San Francisco was reestablishing its proof coinage procedures. The 1968-S proof quarter had a mintage of 3,041,506 pieces in that year's proof sets, providing a substantial population for variety hunters. Collectors examining proof Washington quarters from the late 1960s should pay particular attention to LIBERTY and the date digits under 7-10x magnification, as the proof striking process — with its multiple impressions on polished planchets — can make subtle hub doubling more visible than on business strikes.

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