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. F-12 Fine—Hair lines about Washington’s ear visible. Tiny feathers on eagle’s breast faintly visible. VF-20 Very Fine—Most hair details visible. Wing feathers clear. EF-40 Extremely Fine—Hair lines sharp. Wear spots confined to top of eagle’s legs and center of breast. MS-60 Uncirculated—No trace of wear, but many contact marks, surface spotting, or faded luster possible. MS-63 Choice Uncirculated—No trace of wear. Light blemishes. Attractive mint luster. MS-65 Gem Uncirculated—Only light, scattered contact marks that are not distracting. Strong luster, good eye appeal. PF-65 Gem Proof—Hardly any blemishes, and no flaws