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Comments: This is the first of two uses of Obverse P1. This is the only use of Reverse 1856 PA in 1858. Reverse 1856 PA was previously used to strike proofs in 1856 and 1857, and later to strike 1851 and 1852 proof restrikes. |
Obverse P1 The photo below shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid. This is the only obverse die for the year. Note that the date is almost exactly centered in the field. Originals show about 60% of the area under the chin unfinished, whereas it’s about 30% for restrikes.   1858 Obverse P1 attribution grid
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Reverse 1856 PA was used for all 1856 and 1857 proofs, then continued into 1858 to strike all of what we believe was the original issue of 1858 proofs. This die exhibits only a few minor markers – lumps on S1 and L. Since most proofs seen are relatively high grade these lumps are visible on most examples. The following photos show these die markers.  Reverse 1856 PA lump on S1  Reverse 1856 PA lumps on L The lumps on the L are the most visible marker. They should be your marker for identifying this die. Other markers have been mentioned in previous books, most often a depression in front of the eagle’s beak. We recommend ignoring this marker if you think you see it. We believe that it’s not reliable, and has led to mis-attribution of 1858 die marriages in the past, and confusion in their relative rarity.
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| Photo credits:
Obverse P1: 1858 PCGS PR40, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. Reverse 1856 PA: 1856 PCGS PR62, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. |