The Hidden Truth About the 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101 Cherrypick That Few Collectors See

Let me tell you about the time I spotted a 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101 at a coin show in Ohio. My hands were sweating as I handed over $35 for what most would call a “scratched-up old quarter.” That coin later graded MS64 at PCGS and sold for over $3,000. Here’s what I wish I’d known when I started.

The Art of Cherrypicking: Beyond the Surface

We all love the rush of finding valuable coins. But the real magic? It’s in spotting what others walk right past. The 1937 Washington Quarter DDO (FS-101) is one of those coins that sits in collections for years, unnoticed. I’ve seen it happen twice at my local coin club meetings.

Most folks don’t get it. They see what looks like a printing flaw and move on. That’s where you come in.

Why the 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101 is a Collector’s Dream

This coin’s doubling is wild – especially on “IN GOD WE TRUST.” At first glance, it looks like someone smudged the ink. But get a good loupe on it, and you’ll see the unmistakable doubling that makes this DDO variety special.

The other day at a flea market, I watched a dealer nearly drop one in his junk bin. The doubling was clear as day. He missed it completely.

Where to Look and Why Most Don’t

Here’s the truth most won’t tell you: valuable coins hide in plain sight. I’ve pulled three 1937 DDOs from raw coin lots in the past year. Not one was slabbed.

Why? Because we all assume the good stuff is already certified. That’s our first mistake.

Insider Tips for Cherrypicking Success

After 15 years of hunting, here’s what actually works:

1. Always Double-Check Raw Coins

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• Second Pass Strategy: I found my first 1937 DDO on my third look through a dealer’s box. The first two times? Nothing. Slow down. Look again. That slight hesitation on “RT” in “LIBERTY” gives it away.

< Tools Matter: Keep a 10x loupe in your pocket. I prefer the digital microscopes for shows – they let you photograph the doubling for later review.

2. Know the Subtle Details

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• Focus on “IN GOD WE TRUST”: The doubling here is subtle but distinct. Like a shadow on the letters. Bring a known example if you can – I keep a cheap duplicate in my wallet for quick comparisons.

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• Check for Supporting Clues: Look for die clashes near the rim. On my 1937 DDO, there’s a faint clash mark near Washington’s chin that confirms it’s the real deal.

3. Observe the Crowd

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• Watch Their Faces: At the last show, I saw a guy put down a quarter like it was hot. His eyes widened for half a second. I grabbed it. Sure enough – DDO FS-101. People’s reactions tell you everything.

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• Stay Calm When They Say “Damage”: My most expensive find? A dealer insisted his 1937 quarter was “just worn.” I smiled, paid face value, and walked away with a $2,000 coin.

Advanced Considerations: The Hidden Gotchas

Even after you know what to look for, watch out for these traps:

The “Junk Silver” Trap

That “junk bin” at the coin shop? That’s where I found my first 1937 DDO. People assume rare coins only come slabbed. They’re wrong. I once found a 1939-S DDO in a $20 lot of circulated quarters. It’s now worth about $1,200.

The “Already Slabbed” Myth

Don’t trust the slab. I’ve cracked out coins that looked normal in the plastic but revealed doubling with my digital microscope. The 1937 DDO I found last month was graded as “AU Detail” – damage only. The TrueView photos from PCGS Gold Shield told the real story.

PCGS Submission Strategy

Send your “maybe” coins in with the sure things. I batch submissions to save on fees. Last time, I included three “possibly double die” quarters with my regular submissions. One turned out to be the FS-101. The grading fee was worth it.

The Psychological Edge: Fear and Opportunity

That nagging feeling – “What if I’m missing something?” – keeps me looking. It’s why I check my collection every six months. Last year, I opened an old folder and found a 1937 that I’d completely forgotten about. The doubling hit me like a lightning bolt.

Snow Days and “Box Checks”

Winter is perfect for coin hunting – even in your own collection. Yesterday, I found a piedfort coin I’d bought on a whim five years ago. Never knew what it was. Now? It’s the star of my display case.

The “Educated Guess” Buy

Some of my best finds were “gut feeling” purchases. Last month, I bought four presidential dollars for $4 total. Not because they were valuable, but because the reverse looked “off.” One had a repunched mintmark. Small win, but it pays for coffee for a month.

Actionable Takeaways

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• That loupe in your pocket? Use it. Every time.

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• Slow down at shows. Look twice. Then look again.

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• Keep a known DDO example for comparison – even if it’s a cheap duplicate.

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• Re-examine slabbed coins. The plastic doesn’t make them perfect.

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• Submit those “maybe” coins with your regular submissions.

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• Winter is box-checking season. Don’t skip it.

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• Buy what looks odd, not just what’s listed in the price guides.

Conclusion

The 1937 Washington Quarter DDO FS-101 isn’t just about the coin itself. It’s about the hunt. The moment you realize you’ve seen something others missed. I still get chills thinking about that first DDO I found – the one that started me down this rabbit hole.

These coins are out there. In junk bins, in old collections, in slab holders labeled “damaged.” All you need is patience, a good loupe, and the willingness to look twice.

Related Resources

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