The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Cherrypicking Rare Coins: 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101

So you’ve seen those jaw-dropping headlines: *“Rare 1937 Washington Quarter sells for $5,000!”* and thought, “Wait—could *I* have one of those?” Good news: you might. And more importantly, **you don’t need to be an expert** to find rare coins like the **1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101**. This guide? It’s your friendly, no-nonsense introduction to **cherrypicking rare coins**—the real way to turn your curiosity into real finds, even if you’re just starting out.

Let’s skip the fluff. No “expert-only” gatekeeping here. Just the practical, human truth about how to spot a rare coin that others miss—starting with a coin hiding in plain sight for almost 90 years.

What Is Cherrypicking in Coin Collecting?

Cherrypicking isn’t about blind luck. It’s about **spotting what others overlook**. It’s that moment when you’re flipping through a roll of quarters and something feels… off. The “G” in “GOD” looks a little wobbly. The date seems blurred. That’s not wear. That’s **doubling**—and your first clue you might just have a rare **1937 Washington Quarter DDO (FS-101)**.

This coin has been in collections, cash registers, and old shoeboxes for decades. But because its doubling is subtle, most people—even dealers—miss it. And that’s where *you* come in.

The truth? You don’t need years of experience to start. You need focus, a few tools, and a curious eye. That’s it.

Why the 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101 Matters

The 1937 DDO is a **doubled die obverse**—a mint error from the die-making process. When the hub stamped the die, it shifted slightly between impressions, creating a double image. No, it’s not a fake. It’s **officially recognized**, and it’s worth real money—graded examples often sell for **$1,000 to $5,000+**.

Here’s where to look:

• “IN GOD WE TRUST” — especially the “I,” “G,” “W,” and “T” show clear double outlines.

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• “LIBERTY” — the “L,” “B,” and “Y” often appear with a shadow or spread.

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• Date (1937) — the “1” and “9” might look notched or pushed apart.

Fun fact: Early Washington Quarters like this were made with hand-finished dies. That means more chances for doubling—but also more confusion with wear or damage. Your job? Learn to tell the difference.

How to Start Cherrypicking: A Beginner’s Checklist

Think of this like a treasure hunt—but instead of maps, you’ve got guides, tools, and a little detective work.

1. Know Your Targets

Start with **known, documented varieties**. The 1937 DDO is a perfect first target. It’s rare, but not so rare that it’s mythical. And unlike ultra-rare coins, it *actually* shows up in the wild.

Other good starter varieties:

• 1961 Franklin Half Dollar DDR
• 1971-S Silver Eisenhower Dollar DDR

Use these trusted resources to study what to look for:

• PCGS CoinFacts – your go-to for population stats and pricing
• Conder101.com – clear, real-coin photos of doubled dies
• ANACS VarietyPlus – simple guides for new collectors

2. Invest in the Right Tools

Your eyes can only do so much. A **10x triplet loupe** is your new best friend. It’s cheap (under $20), lightweight, and essential for seeing doubling, die cracks, and re-punched mintmarks.

Other tools to get:

• Digital microscope (USB) – snap photos on your phone or laptop
• Bright LED desk lamp – shadows hide doubling; light reveals it

Pro tip from a fellow beginner: Tilt the coin under light. Doubling often only shows up at an angle—like how you’d check a painting for texture.

3. Learn the Difference Between Doubling and Damage

This is where most beginners get stuck. Not all doubling is a **doubled die**. Some is just scratches, wear, or die deterioration.

Here’s how to tell a real doubled die apart:

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• Doubling is **consistent**—it affects multiple letters in the same direction (left, right, up)

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• It looks **clean and aligned**, not jagged or smudged

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• It’s **not isolated**—if only one letter looks doubled, it’s likely damage

“If it looks like someone spilled coffee on the coin, it’s probably wear. If multiple letters have matching double lines? That’s a die shift—and that’s exciting.”

Where to Find Cherrypick Opportunities

You don’t need to fly to Vegas or buy a vault. Start local. The coins are already out there—waiting.

1. Local Coin Shows (Best for Beginners)

Coin shows are like open classrooms. You’ll see thousands of coins, meet collectors, and—most importantly—**inspect coins in person**.

• Many dealers focus on bulk sales and skip over subtle varieties

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• “Common” date lots often hide rare varieties

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• Bring your loupe and ask: “Can I check this roll?” Most say yes.

Try this: Walk the show once fast. Then walk it again—slower. With your loupe. You’ll see things the first pass missed.

2. Estate Sales & Flea Markets

Older collectors pass on. Their coins go to estate sales, garage sales, or flea markets. These are **goldmines** for cherrypicking.

• Unopened rolls from the 1940s–1960s are common

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• Sellers often price by face value, not rarity
• You might buy a whole album for $20 and find a $1,000 coin inside

3. Your Own Collection (Yes, Really)

Seriously. Look through your old albums. Flip through that Dansco book you’ve had since high school. A collector in Ohio found a 1939-S DDO this way—after **30 years** of owning it. He just never looked closely.

Do this every few months: Pull out your coins, use your loupe, and re-examine anything from the 1930s–1960s. Focus on areas you ignore: proof sets, old bank rolls, inherited coins.

How to Submit and Authenticate Your Find

Found something that looks like the 1937 DDO? Don’t guess. Get it checked by the pros.

1. Choose a Reputable Grading Service

For rare varieties like FS-101, go with:

• PCGS – best for variety details and population data
• NGC – great for protection and resale value

Both offer TrueView—high-res photos that help prove your coin’s rarity. And their anti-counterfeiting tech means buyers trust your coin.

2. Submit with Variety Attribution

Don’t just say “1937 Quarter.” Be specific. On the form, write:

1937 Washington Quarter, FS-101 DDO, request variety attribution and TrueView.

This tells the grader: *“Look for doubling.”* It increases the chance they’ll spot it—and label it right.

3. Grading Expectations

Most 1937 DDOs are found in **Good to Very Fine** condition. But if you find one in **AU55 or higher**, it’s a big deal. A recent submission? It graded **63+**—and that “+” meant a 30% boost in value over a standard attribution.

Common Misconceptions & Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

Misconception #1: “Only Experts Can Cherrypick”

Reality: The best cherrypickers aren’t seasoned pros. They’re **curious beginners** who take their time. I found my first 1942/1 Mercury dime at a flea market—with a $10 loupe and a printed guide. You can do the same.

Misconception #2: “Rare Coins Are Only in Old Collections”

Reality: New finds happen all the time. A guy in Texas found a 1946 DDR Walking Liberty half in an online auction listed as “nice coin.” He paid $15. It sold later for over $2,000.

Misconception #3: “Doubling Is Always Obvious”

Reality: The 1937 DDO is *subtle*. Without a loupe and good light, you’ll miss it. I did—twice. Now I check *every* 1937 quarter I see.

Conclusion: Your Cherrypicking Journey Starts Now

You don’t need a lifetime of collecting to find a rare coin. You need **one focused weekend**. One loupe. One coin show. One moment when you look at a 1937 quarter and think: *“Wait… that ‘G’ looks doubled.”*

You now know:

• How to spot the 1937 DDO using real, visible clues
• Where to look—from flea markets to your own album
• What tools make a difference (and which are worth the cash)
• How to avoid the traps other beginners fall into
• How to get your coin certified so it’s worth real money

So here’s your next step: Pick up a loupe this weekend. Study the 1937 DDO. Then go out and look. That rare coin? It’s not in a museum. It might be in the next roll you crack open—or the one sitting in your junk drawer.

Start small. Look closely. Be patient. And one day, you’ll have a story like this: “I found a 1937 DDO… and I didn’t even know what it was at first.”

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