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Comments: This is the first of two uses of Obverse P2 and the only use of Reverse 1859 PA in 1854. Reverse 1859 PA was first used to strike regular issue proofs in 1859. It was later used to strike proof restrikes of 1851, 1852, 1854, and 1858. |
Obverse P2 The photo below shows the Obverse P2 attribution grid.   1854 Obverse P2 attribution grid This die exhibits two misplaced digits. The top of a 4 is visible high in the field between 54 near the rock. The top of another 4 is just above the top of the denticles under the prominent 4. Arrows on the photo above point to these features. We've included this interesting misplaced date as one of our Top-30 varieties.
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Reverse 1859 PA was first used for all 1859 original proofs, later for 1851, 1852, 1854, and 1858 proof restrikes. It exhibits lumps in the left wing feathers that should be used as markers for identification. 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 lumps in left wing feathers
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| Photo credits:
Obverse P2: 1854 PCGS PR64, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. Reverse 1859 PA: 1859 PCGS PR60, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. |