1858 OC-P2
Proof Restrike

Die Pair P1 - 1859 PA
Date Grid L QTR / 4-4.5 / Level
Obverse Die States b
Estimated Rarity R7+
1, 8 Vertical C, C
Reverse Die States a



Comments:
   This is the second and final use of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse 1859 PA in 1858.
Reverse 1859 PA was first used to strike regular issue proofs in 1859.
It was later used to strike these proof restrikes plus restrikes of 1851, 1852, 1854.


Obverse P1

The photo below shows attribution lines for the obverse P1 date. This is the only obverse die for the year. Note that the date is almost exactly centered in the field.



1858 Obverse P1 attribution grid


Obverse P1 Die States
  1. Perfect die. The area under Miss Liberty's chin is about 60% unfinished.
  2. The die has been polished. The area under Miss Liberty's chin is now only about 30% unfinished.
No later die states have been observed. OC-P2 examples are found only with obverse die state b.


Reverse 1859 PA

Reverse 1859 PA was used for all 1859 regular issue proofs and later for 1851, 1852, and 1854 proof restrikes. It was used to strike a few 1858 proofs, which we believe are also restrikes. This die exhibits some notable marks 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 estimates of 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


Reverse 1859 PA Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.





Photo credits:

Obverse P2:   1858 PCGS PR40, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1859 PA:   1859 PCGS PR60, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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