-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56397
Checkout
The 1943-S Washington Quarter Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) in Very Good (VG) condition is a compelling example of a mid-20th-century U.S. minting variety that draws strong interest among numismatists. Minted in San Francisco during the height of World War II, this coin combines wartime silver content, classic design, and an appealing die variety that makes it highly collectible even in lower grades. Although VG condition reflects substantial circulation, the presence of the DDO error distinguishes this coin as a notable anomaly in the Washington Quarter series.
The Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Sculptor John Flanagan was selected to design the coin, featuring a classical profile of Washington inspired by Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 18th-century bust of the first president. Initially intended as a one-year commemorative issue, the quarter proved so popular that it became a permanent part of U.S. coinage. By 1943, the series was well established, and the San Francisco Mint was one of three mints producing quarters that year alongside Philadelphia and Denver.
The obverse of the coin features the portrait of George Washington facing left, flanked by the word “LIBERTY” at the top and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of his neck. The date “1943” appears below his bust. What sets the DDO variety apart is a visible doubling of the obverse elements, most prominently on the letters of “LIBERTY,” the digits in the date, and occasionally parts of Washington’s profile. This doubling is the result of a misalignment during the die creation process, where the hub strikes the die more than once with slight offset, creating a doubling effect on the coin’s surface when struck.
The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive branches. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches across the top rim, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just below. The denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR” is positioned at the bottom. The “S” mintmark, indicating production at the San Francisco Mint, is placed beneath the wreath and above the “R” in “QUARTER.” This reverse design remained unchanged until the State Quarters program began in 1999 and is representative of mid-20th-century American coinage.
Minted at the San Francisco Mint, the 1943-S Washington Quarter had a total mintage of approximately 21,700,000 coins. However, only a small fraction of these are known to exhibit the DDO error, making such coins notably scarce. The doubled die was not widely documented at the time of release, so many examples entered circulation unnoticed. As a result, surviving examples are often found in circulated grades, with uncirculated specimens commanding significantly higher premiums.
The 1943-S DDO variety was cataloged and recognized years after its release, as coin enthusiasts began closely examining older coins for errors. While not as dramatic as some of the more famous doubled dies—such as the 1955 Lincoln Cent—the 1943-S DDO remains a legitimate and highly collectible variety within the Washington Quarter series. It is listed in major reference guides such as the Cherrypickers’ Guide and is sought by error specialists and series completists alike.
In Very Good condition, the coin shows moderate to heavy wear from circulation. On the obverse, much of Washington’s hair detail is worn smooth, and the cheek and jawline are flattened from handling. The letters in “LIBERTY” are readable, though typically softened, and some signs of the doubling may still be discernible under magnification, especially in the tops and bottoms of the letters and numbers. The date “1943” remains clearly legible, though it may show signs of fading due to wear. Any evidence of doubling here contributes significantly to the coin’s value despite the lower grade.
The reverse exhibits typical VG-level wear with most feather detail on the eagle smoothed away and the wreath and arrows showing only outlines. The inscriptions remain clear, and the “S” mintmark is identifiable. Overall, a VG specimen retains full design outlines but lacks finer detail due to circulation. However, if the DDO features remain distinguishable even faintly, they elevate this example above others of similar grade from the same year and mint.
The silver content of the coin—90% silver and 10% copper—adds intrinsic value, especially in the bullion market. However, it is the numismatic appeal of the DDO that drives collector interest. Because most of these coins circulated heavily before their variety status was discovered, finding them in any condition is noteworthy. In VG grade, the 1943-S DDO is accessible for collectors who want to add a known variety without paying premiums associated with Mint State examples.
Collectors should be cautious of confusing machine doubling, which results from mechanical slippage during the strike and lacks the distinctive rounded, raised doubling of a true doubled die. Only authenticated doubled die coins from reputable grading services such as PCGS or NGC can guarantee genuine DDO status. Certified coins in any grade—especially those that verify the DDO designation—carry a premium over unverified raw examples, even in VG condition.
The 1943-S Washington Quarter DDO in VG condition is thus a remarkable coin that tells a story of wartime minting, the intricacies of die creation, and the evolving appreciation for mint errors and varieties. It embodies the convergence of historical significance, numismatic curiosity, and silver value. For collectors specializing in the Washington Quarter series or error coins, it represents an attainable yet important piece that enriches any collection with its unique origin and visual intrigue.