1850 OC-P1
Original Proof
Repunched 0 - Top-30 Variety

Die Pair P1 - 1840 PA
Date Grid C / 4-2.0 /Level
Obverse Die States a, b, (c?)
Estimated Rarity R6
1, 2 Vertical SL, SL
Reverse Die States a



Comments:
   This is the only proof usage of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse 1840 PA in 1850.
Obverse P1 was later used, in a different die marriage, to strike business strikes.
Reverse 1840 PA was used to strike almost all original proofs from 1840 through 1854.


Obverse P1

Obverse P1 is the only business strike obverse die. It exhibits notable repunching on the 0, most visible on the lower left side of the prominent digit. Die lines slant very slightly up to the left from the denticles below 50. The following photo shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid, with arrows indicating the other features.



1850 Obverse P1 attribution grid
and die markers


Obverse P1 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Die lines below 50 removed by die polishing.
  3. Die crack through the base of the date.
No later die states have been observed. Die state c is unconfirmed, but reported by other authors.


Reverse 1840 PA

The reverse die used for the 1850 proof issue 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 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


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





Photo credits:

Obverse P1:   1850 NGC AU58 CAC, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1840 PA:   1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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