1859-O OC-2

Die Pair 1 - B
Date Grid L QTR / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States (c?), d
Estimated Rarity R1
1, 9 Vertical SH, SH
Reverse Die States a, b



Comments:    This is the third and final use of Obverse 1 and the first of two uses of Reverse B in 1859.
Reverse B is transitional, used for two additional 1860-O die marriages.


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.
  3. Additional clashing in Miss Liberty's lap. At least two sets of 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.
No later die states have been observed. We've only seen obverse state d in this die marriage, but state c may exist.


Reverse B

The photo below shows the mintmark position for Reverse B.



1859-O Reverse B mintmark


Reverse B exhibits several irregularities in the upper left shield recesses, shown below. The most notable and easiest to see is the strong dot at the top of Recess #1. This dot becomes less notable as the die state progresses, but is always visible.



1859-O Reverse B die markers


Reverse B Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Die polished. The markers are less evident.
No later die states have been observed.



Photo credits:

Obverse 1:   1859-O NGC MS65, tied for finest known, ex. Gene Gardner, from the Heritage archives.
Reverse B:   1859-O NGC MS60 CAC Gold, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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