1983-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team and cross-referenced as CONECA 1-R-II, this primary doubled die reverse for the proof 1983-S Washington Quarter shows a spread toward the center on USA, QUARTER DOLLAR, the outer edges of both heraldic eagle wings, and the lower leaves in the wreath. The spread toward center is characteristic of Class II distorted hub doubling, where the hub deforms under extreme pressure during the die sinking process, creating doubling that compresses inward rather than shifting laterally. The CONECA 1-R-II cross-reference confirms the Class II designation through an independent attribution authority, providing collectors with dual reference verification. No significant die markers were noted on either the obverse or reverse, meaning attribution relies primarily on identifying the doubled die characteristics themselves rather than secondary die-specific marks. The 1983-S proof quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for proof sets, and proof coins provide ideal surfaces for detecting subtle doubling due to their mirror-like fields and sharp design edges. John Flanagan's heraldic eagle reverse — in continuous use on Washington Quarters from 1932 through 1998 — features the spread eagle with outstretched wings, olive branch, and arrows, and the doubling on the wing edges and wreath leaves creates visible separation along these curved design elements. As WDDR-001, this is the primary doubled die reverse for the date, carrying the distinction of first-attributed status within the 1983-S proof quarter die variety catalog.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-II
• CONECA: 1-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1983-S 25¢ Pr WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References