1859-O OC-1

Die Pair 1 - A
Date Grid L QTR / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States b, c, d
Estimated Rarity R1
1, 9 Vertical SH, SH
Reverse Die States a, b, c, d, e, f



Comments:    This is the second of three uses of Obverse 1 and the only use of Reverse A.


Obverse 1

The photo below shows the Obverse 1 attribution grid. Obverse 1 exhibits no notable markers, but with only two obverse dies known the date position is sufficient for attribution.



1859-O Obverse 1 attribution grid

Obverse 1 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Very lightly clashed in Miss Liberty's lap. The clash marks are sharp (see photo below).
  3. Additional clashing in Miss Liberty's lap. At least two clash marks are visible. The clash marks are sharp.
  4. Die polished. The clashing is less evident, but still very notable. The clash marks aren't as well-defined as in the earlier states (see photo below).



1859-O Obverse 1 die state b clash marks




1859-O Obverse 1 die state d clash marks


No later states have been observed. I've seen only a single photo of obverse die state c. Unfortunately the resolution wasn't good enough to use it for this book. I believe that the die clashed a second time and was quickly removed from service and polished. An example with this die state would be extremely rare.


Reverse A

The photo below shows the mintmark position for Reverse A.



1859-O Reverse A mintmark


Reverse A exhibits no notable markers. The mintmark position is similar to Reverse D. The mintmark has a slight clockwise rotation, different from Reverse D, which exhibits almost no mintmark rotation. The reverse die cracks are unique. Since most coins exhibit at least a few of them they can be used to confirm the attribution.

Reverse A Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Lightly clashed in the shield recesses. No die cracks.
  3. A faint die crack from the top of T1 through the middle of ED to the base of S1. Another joins the top of TE. A third joins the base of OF.
  4. The die cracks have advanced. The crack through TED is heavier. A faint die crack has formed across the top of TES into the field between S O. Another joins the base of OF, then extends from the base of F across the middle of A2 to the top left corner of M, across the top of ME.
  5. A new die crack joins the base of NIT. The other cracks have advanced slightly.
  6. There is now a tiny internal cud that looks like a metal blob on the top of the die crack, half way between F and A.
The photo below shows the major die crack. The reverse shown would be considered state d.



1859-O Reverse A Die Cracks

No later die states have been observed, although a later state probably exists based on the heavy deterioration of this die during its lifetime.

Photo credits:

Obverse 1 and Reverse A die cracks:   1859-O NGC MS65, tied for finest known, ex. Gene Gardner, from the Heritage archives.
Obverse 1 die state b:   1859-O PCGS AU53, from the Stacks-Bowers archives.
Obverse 1 die state d:   1859-O ICG MS63, from the Stacks-Bowers archives.
Reverse A:   1859-O ANACS MS60 cleaned, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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