1943 DDO Quarter Worth $22,250 – Do You Own This Rare Coin?

Introduction

Among the many valuable error coins in U.S. history, the 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter stands out as a prized possession for collectors. This rare quarter, known for its distinct doubling on the obverse, has fetched up to $22,250 at auctions. If you have a 1943 quarter in your collection, you might want to take a closer look—it could be worth a small fortune!

In this article, we will cover the history, features, value, and how to identify this elusive coin, as well as tips for authentication and selling.

History of the 1943 Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter series was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Designed by John Flanagan, the quarter quickly became a staple in U.S. coinage.

During World War II, the U.S. Mint continued producing quarters with 90% silver and 10% copper. However, minting errors were not uncommon, and the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error of 1943 became one of the most sought-after mistakes.

1943 DDO Quarter Worth $22,250 – Do You Own This Rare Coin?

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What is a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error?

A Doubled Die Obverse occurs when a coin’s die is improperly manufactured, causing duplicate or overlapped features to appear on the coin’s obverse (front). This results in a doubling effect on design elements, particularly in lettering and numbers.

In the case of the 1943 DDO Quarter, the doubling is most noticeable in:

The word “LIBERTY”
The date “1943”
The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”
George Washington’s eye and profile

Identifying a 1943 DDO Quarter

If you suspect you have a 1943 Washington Quarter, follow these steps to check for the DDO error:

Step 1: Examine the Obverse

Look for doubling in the lettering of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The numbers in the 1943 date may also appear thick or doubled.

Step 2: Use a Magnifying Glass or Microscope

The doubling may be subtle, so a 10x magnification glass or a digital microscope is highly recommended.

Step 3: Check the Mintmark

The 1943 DDO error is mostly found in coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark). However, rare cases have been reported from Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints.

Step 4: Get it Authenticated

If you believe you have a 1943 DDO Quarter, consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) for authentication and grading.

Value of the 1943 DDO Quarter

The value of a 1943 DDO Washington Quarter depends on its condition and grade. Here’s an estimated valuation based on past auction results:

Condition (Grade)	Estimated Value
Fine (F12)	$100 – $500
Extremely Fine (EF40)	$1,000 – $5,000
About Uncirculated (AU50)	$7,000 – $15,000
Mint State (MS63)	$15,000 – $22,250+

A high-grade, uncirculated 1943 DDO Quarter can fetch upwards of $22,250 at major auctions. If your coin is well-preserved with minimal wear, you could be holding a highly valuable piece!

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How to Sell Your 1943 DDO Quarter

If you confirm that you have a 1943 DDO Quarter, consider these selling options:

1. Professional Coin Auctions

Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections specialize in rare coins and can help you get the best price.

2. Online Marketplaces

Platforms like eBay and PCGS CoinFacts Marketplace allow you to list and sell your coin to collectors.

3. Local Coin Dealers

Visit a trusted coin shop or dealer for an in-person evaluation and potential sale.

4. Coin Shows and Conventions

Attending a numismatic event can connect you with serious collectors willing to pay top dollar.

Conclusion

The 1943 DDO Quarter is a rare and valuable coin that could be worth up to $22,250 or more. If you own a 1943 quarter, carefully inspect it for doubling errors on the obverse. Professional authentication and grading can help maximize your return when selling.

If you’re lucky enough to find this error coin in your collection, you might be holding a hidden treasure worth thousands!

FAQs

1. How do I know if my 1943 quarter is a DDO error?

Check for doubling in the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1943”. Using a magnifying glass can help reveal subtle details.

2. Is every 1943 quarter valuable?

No, only the DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) error quarters are highly valuable. A regular 1943 Washington Quarter is worth its silver content (~$4-$7) unless in pristine condition.

3. Can I sell a 1943 DDO Quarter without grading it?

Yes, but grading it through PCGS or NGC will help verify authenticity and increase buyer confidence, leading to higher offers.

4. Where can I get my 1943 DDO Quarter graded?

You can submit your coin to professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

5. What’s the highest price ever paid for a 1943 DDO Quarter?

A high-grade MS63 1943 DDO Quarter has sold for $22,250+ at major auctions. Prices can vary based on condition and demand.