1972 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged under Wexler variety identifier 1972 $1 WDDO-001 and paired with the Type 1 reverse, this doubled die obverse on the Eisenhower dollar occupies a pivotal position in the large-dollar variety landscape. The 1972 Ike dollar Type 1 reverse — distinguished by the positioning of the Earth relative to the eagle's wing — is the most commonly encountered of the three reverse types used that year, making WDDO-001 paired with this reverse a relatively accessible entry point for collectors building a set of 1972 Eisenhower dollar varieties. Hub doubling on Frank Gasparro's obverse portrait manifests on the bold inscription LIBERTY arcing across the top, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST below the chin, and the date 1972 at the bottom — all design elements rendered in sufficient relief on the 38.1mm planchet to display even modest hub misalignment clearly. The WDDO-001 designation as the first listed obverse doubled die suggests it was among the earliest cataloged for this date, likely recognized during the initial wave of variety collecting interest that accompanied the Eisenhower dollar's 1971-1978 production run. Philadelphia produced these copper-nickel clad dollars for general circulation alongside the 40% silver collector versions struck at San Francisco, and the business-strike coins saw heavy use in casino gaming and vending machines, meaning high-grade examples with fully intact doubling diagnostics command premiums above typical WDDO values.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1972 $1 WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References