1842 OC-6

Die Pair 5 - B
Date Grid LE / 5-5.5 / Level
Obverse Die States a
Estimated Rarity R6-
1, 2 Vertical C, SL
Reverse Die States a



Comments:
   This is the only use of Obverse 5 and the third of four uses of Reverse B.


Obverse 5

The photo below shows the Obverse 5 attribution grid.



1842 Obverse 5 attribution grid


Obverse 5 exhibits small die markers that can be helpful in confirming attribution. These are in the gown, a group near the left hand, and another above the apex of the shield. High magnification may be required to conclusively identify these markers. They’re shown in the following photo.



1842 Obverse 5 die markers


Obverse 5 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later obverse die states have been observed, but this is a very rare die marriage, so I’ve seen very few examples. Something must have happened to the obverse 5 die to cause such a quick withdrawal from service. An example with a later die state probably exists.


Reverse B

Reverse B is very different from Reverse A. There are no die lines in the shield recesses. The best markers are the extensions of the vertical shield lines downward into the shield border, visible even on low-grade coins. Additional markers are several upward extensions of the vertical shield lines into the horizontal lines. These are notable on high-grade coins, but not nearly as reliable a marker as the lower extensions.



1842 Reverse B die markers


Reverse B Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. A small cud has appeared on the rim below ONE DOL. This cud is pictured and the die state described in more detail in our description of OC-7.
No later reverse die states have been observed. OC-6 is found only with reverse die state a.



Photo credits:

Obverse 5:   1842 NGC VF30, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse B:   NGC AU55, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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