1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Seventh in the DDO sequence for the 1971-S proof silver Eisenhower Dollar, WDDO-007 (Wexler reference 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-007) occupies the middle ground in a variety family that extends to at least eleven documented entries. At this position in the catalog, the variety reflects a die that produced enough coins to be discovered and attributed, but its placement after the first six entries suggests it may have been either a later discovery or a less prominent example compared to the earlier-cataloged siblings. The 1971-S proof Eisenhower Dollar was a landmark issue: the first U.S. dollar coin in over three decades, struck in 40% silver exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collector distribution. The denomination's 38.1 mm diameter gives Frank Gasparro's obverse portrait an unusually large canvas — Eisenhower's image measures approximately 25 mm from chin to the top of the head, compared to roughly 15 mm for Washington on the quarter, meaning the same angular hub misalignment produces nearly 70% more linear displacement on the Ike portrait than on a quarter die. This scale advantage makes Eisenhower Dollar DDOs particularly satisfying to examine, as the doubling occupies more physical space and is correspondingly easier to see and photograph. The 40% silver content (24.59 grams total, approximately 8.6 grams of pure silver) adds intrinsic value beyond the numismatic premium, and the proof format with its mirrored fields provides optimal contrast for DDO examination under magnification.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S $1 Pr WDDO-007
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References