1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Holding the second catalog position for 1971-S proof Eisenhower Dollar doubled die obverses, WDDO-002 (Wexler reference 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-002) represents one of the earliest documented DDO varieties in the Ike Dollar series. The significance of the number-two position is partly historical: early catalog numbers often correspond to either the first discoveries or the most prominent examples identified when attributors initially surveyed a new series, and the Eisenhower Dollar's 1971 debut attracted immediate variety-hunting interest. Frank Gasparro's portrait of Eisenhower fills the obverse of this 38.1 mm coin, with the five-star general rendered in sharp left-facing profile. LIBERTY spans the upper periphery in large letters, and IN GOD WE TRUST sits in smaller text below the chin — creating a contrast in letter scale that makes these two inscription zones behave differently as diagnostic areas, since the same angular hub displacement produces proportionally more visible doubling on the smaller motto text than on the larger LIBERTY. The 1971-S proof was struck in 40% silver (24.59 grams total weight) at the San Francisco Mint, and collector demand was strong from the outset — the Mint sold these both individually in special packaging and as part of proof sets. As one of the first DDOs documented for the entire Eisenhower series, WDDO-002 holds a foundational position in Ike Dollar variety collecting and continues to attract attribution interest.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References