2004-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

VarietyVista's UVC-2275 and DMR-003 identify the 2004-S State Quarter DDO-001, a clad proof doubled die obverse that exhibits strong extra thickness on "IN GOD WE TRUST," "AMERICA," and the S mintmark, with lighter extra thickness on "UNITED STATES OF," "LIBERTY," and "QUARTER DOLLAR." The breadth of the doubling across virtually every text element on the obverse makes this one of the more comprehensive doubled die proofs in the State Quarters series, affecting both the John Flanagan Washington portrait side and its surrounding inscriptions. That the mintmark itself shows doubling is particularly diagnostic, as it confirms the doubling occurred during the hubbing process before the mintmark was already part of the master design — consistent with the post-1990 practice of including mintmarks on the master die. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A shows both obverse and reverse in Early Die State; Stage B at Mid Die State and Stage C at Late Die State both remain unconfirmed, suggesting that specimens have primarily been found in early-impression condition — consistent with proof production where dies are typically replaced before reaching advanced deterioration. The 2004-S clad proof was part of the wildly popular State Quarters program, which issued five unique reverse designs annually from 1999 through 2008. San Francisco's proof production served collectors exclusively, as no S-mint quarters entered general circulation. The DDO-001 designation as the primary doubled die obverse for this date signals its recognition as the strongest or most notable obverse doubling variety among any documented for the 2004-S proof, making it a priority target for State Quarter variety collectors.

Die Markers

• UVC-2275
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Amy Smith
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References