From 1932 through 1964 the Washington quarters had one design for the reverse of the circulation strike quarters frequently referred to as the “Type A” reverse.  In the Wexler Die Variety Files we identify it as Washington Quarter Reverse Design #1 (WQRD-001).

A slightly different design was used for the reverse of the proof quarters during this same time period.  It had a greater relief as well as some minor but distinct design differences.  This proof style reverse is frequently referred to as the “Type B” reverse (WQRD-002 in the Wexler Files).

In 1965 the Mint introduced a design modification for the reverse of the circulation strike quarters which came to be known as the Type C Reverse (WQRD-003).  It featured much sharper details to the leaves of the wreath and it is easiest to spot the differences between the three reverse designs by looking at the leaves to the left of the arrow tips and the leave below the back of the arrowheads.

On the Type A reverse intended for circulation strike quarters through 1964, the top of the leave to the left of the arrowhead points is weak and ends below the top arrowhead point.  The leave below the back of the arrowheads is weak and the top is barely defined.

This is the same area, but on the Type B reverse which was intended for proof coins struck through 1964.  The top of the leave to the left of the arrowheads is bold and extends above the point of the top arrowhead.  The leave below the back of the arrowheads is strong and wide and the top is well defined and blunt.

On the Type C reverse for the Washington quarters which was introduced in 1965 the leave to the left of the arrowheads is sharp and well defined.  The tip of the leave is slightly below the tip of the top arrowhead.  The leave below the back of the arrowheads is strong and thin and the top is well defined and pointed.

At the moment we are aware of two working dies for the 1964-D Washington quarters that are known to have the Type C reverse which was not supposed to make its appearance until 1965.  How or why these Type C reverse dies made it into production at the Denver Mint in 1964 is something we may never know, but it did give us a great transitional design variety to be searching for.  You may have one of these in your collection and not even known it.  Study the die markers carefully for the following two working dies.  If you suspect that you have a different 1964-D Washington quarter working die with the Type C reverse, we would like to hear from you to document the die markers.

1964-D 25¢ WTRD-001

Description:  1965 reverse design on a 1964-D Washington quarter.

Die Markers:  Obverse:  A short, vertical die gouge can be found to the right of the 1 in the date.  Die scratches run SSE to NNW above IN GOD.  Two parallel die scratches run SW from the left side of the L in LIBERTY.  A die scratch runs SW from the top left of the I in LIBERTY.  Reverse:  Two parallel die scratches runs from SW to NE above the R in DOLLAR.  A die scratch runs from the top right to the bottom right of the E in QUARTER.

Submitted By:  John A. Wexler

Cross References:  Cherrypickers: FS-25-1964D-901

Comments:  Based on die markers seen in the photos in The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties we believe that this is the same working die illustrated in that reference.

1964-D 25¢ WTRD-002

Description:  1965 reverse design on a 1964-D Washington quarter.

Die Markers:  Obverse:  A die scratch runs SSW from the bottom left corner of the E in WE.  A diagonal die gouge can be found near the left bottom of the ribbon.  A light die crack runs across the base of the bust and through the upper designer’s initials.  Reverse:  A die scratch runs from SW to NE connecting the two leaves directly above the R in DOLLAR.  A die scratch runs NNE from the branch directly below the back of the arrows.  Two parallel die scratches run north from the tip of the top arrowhead and the top of the leave to the left of the arrowheads.

Submitted By:  Vince Mariana

Cross References:  Cherrypickers: FS-25-1964D-901