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Comments: This is the second and final use of Obverse P2 and the only use of Reverse 1859 PA in 1851. Reverse 1859 PA was first used to strike original proofs in 1859. It was subsequently used to strike 1851, 1852, 1854, and 1858 proof restrikes. |
The photo below shows the Obverse P2 attribution grid.   1851 Obverse P2 attribution grid Obverse P2 is one of two obverses, P2 and P3, normally referred to as the “low date”. The date positions of the two dies are almost identical. The difference between the two dies is the extent of the unfinished area under Miss Liberty’s chin. On Obverse P2 this area is more than 75% finished. On Obverse P3 it’s almost completely unfinished. The following two photos show the comparison.  1851 Obverse P2 75% finished under chin  1851 Obverse P3 almost completely unfinished under chin
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Reverse 1859 PA exhibits notable marks in the left wing feathers that should be used as identification markers. Other markers have been mentioned in previous books, but they have led to confusion in attributions and relative rarity. The lumps in the wing feathers are very distinctive. No other markers should be required.  Reverse 1859 PA die lumps in left wing
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| Photo credits:
Obverse P2: 1851 Restrike PCGS PR65 cameo, ex. Phil Kaufman, from the Heritage archives. Obverse P3: 1851 J-132 NGC proof plated, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. Reverse 1859 PA: 1859 PCGS PR60, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. |