1848 OC-P1
Original Proof

Die Pair P1 – 1840 PA
Date Grid JR of LE / 4-2.5 / VS down
Obverse Die States a
Estimated Rarity R6+
1, 8 Vertical C, VSL
Reverse Die States a



Comments:
   This is the only use of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse 1840 PA in 1848.
Reverse 1840 PA was used to strike almost all original proof issues from 1840 through 1854.


Obverse P1

The photo below shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid.



1848 Obverse P1 attribution grid

This is the only obverse die used to strike proofs. The date position provides enough information for conclusive attribution.

Obverse P1 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.


Reverse 1840 PA

The reverse die used for the 1848 proof issue is the same die used for almost all original proof issues from 1840 through 1854. This die exhibits unique features on A3, 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 on A3


Reverse 1840 PA Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.





Photo credits:

Obverse P1:   1848 ANACS PR58 altered surfaces, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1840 PA:   1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


Copyright © 2015-2021, by Dick Osburn and Brian Cushing, All rights reserved.