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Comments: This is the only use of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse 1840 PA in 1847. 1840 Reverse PA was used for almost all original proofs from 1840 through 1854. |
The photo below shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid.   1847 Obverse P1 attribution grid Obverse P1 has few notable markers, but since its paired uniquely with the 1840 PA reverse it can be easily identified using only the date position. A minor marker is a short die line at the base of shield recess #3, indicated by the arrow in the upper left corner of the photo.
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The reverse die used for the 1847 proof issue is the same die used for almost all original proof issues through 1854. This die exhibits unique features on A3. The following photo shows these die markers, possibly created from 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
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| Photo credits:
Obverse P1: 1847 NGC PR65, tied for finest known, ex. Gene Gardner, from the Heritage archives. Reverse 1840 PA: 1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. |