1943-S 25C Washington Quarter PCGS AU50 Double Die Obverse

Coin Highlights

• Mint / Country: United States, San Francisco (“S”)

• Denomination: Washington Quarter (25 Cents)

• Date / Mintmark: 1943-S

• Grade / Service: PCGS AU50 (About Uncirculated)

• Variety: Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101; Guide Book–listed major variety

• Mintage (issue): 21,700,000 regular 1943-S quarters; only a small fraction show this DDO variety

• Metal / Fineness: 90% silver, 10% copper; ASW approx. 0.1808 oz silver

• Diameter / Edge: 24.3 mm; reeded edge

• Obverse: George Washington left; strong doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the 1943 date on this variety

• Reverse: Eagle with outstretched wings over arrows and olive branches, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / QUARTER DOLLAR

Historical Significance

Struck in 1943 at the height of World War II, this quarter represents the classic silver Washington design by John Flanagan, used on 90% silver quarters from 1932–1964. The FS-101 doubled die obverse is the only known DDO for the 1943-S issue and is recognized in the Guide Book (Red Book) as a major variety, standing out among the more common repunched mintmark varieties for this date. The dramatic northwest doubling on the motto, LIBERTY, date, and Washington’s hair makes it an educational example of hub doubling in the Washington Quarter series.

Collectibility

As a Guide Book–listed FS-101 variety with a relatively modest surviving population compared to the 21.7 million regular 1943-S quarters struck, this coin is actively pursued by Washington Quarter specialists.

Market references show strong premium demand for AU and better FS-101 pieces over normal 1943-S quarters, underscoring this coin’s status as a key “cherrypicker” variety within a wartime date that many collectors upgrade into certified holders.