1845 OC-P2

1845 OC-P2 Original Proof

Die Pair	P2 – 1840 A
Date Grid	JR of C / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R7+
1, 5 Vertical	SH, SH
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse P2 and the second of two uses of Reverse 1840 PA in 1845. Reverse 1840 PA is the die used for almost all original proofs issued from 1840 through 1854.

Obverse P2
The photo below shows the Obverse P2 attribution grid. Obverse P2 differs from Obverse P1 in that no repunching is visible on the date and the date is positioned much farther to the left.

1845 Obverse P2 attribution grid

Obverse P2 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed. OC-P2 is a rare variety. We've confirmed only 2 examples.

Reverse 1840 PA
The reverse die used for both 1845 proof die marriages is the same die used for almost all original proof strikes from 1840 through 1854. This die exhibits unique features on A3. The following photo shows these die markers, possibly created by die rust or just die crumbling due to imperfect die metal. These allow easy identification of the proof die, even on mishandled or lightly circulated examples.

Reverse 1840 PA defects in A3

Reverse 1840 PA Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Photo credits:

Obverse P2: 1845 NGC PR65, from the Heritage archives.
Reverse 1840 PA: 1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.