1859-O OC-3

1859-O OC-3

Die Pair	2 - B
Date Grid	R QTR / 4-4.5 / Level
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R2
1, 9 Vertical	SH, SH
Reverse Die States	b

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse 2 and the second and final use of Reverse B in 1859.
Reverse B is transitional, used for two additional 1860-O die marriages.

Obverse 2
The photo below shows the Obverse 2 attribution grid.

1859-O Obverse 2 attribution grid

The Obverse 2 date is the farthest right of any for the year. An additional die marker is a tiny lump on the hem of the gown above the 8. The arrow in the photo points to this feature.

Obverse 2 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed, although it's very possible that a later state 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 is less notable on examples of OC-3, which has been seen only with reverse die state b.

1859-O Reverse B die markers

Reverse B Die States

Perfect die.
Die polished. The markers are less evident.

No later die states have been observed. We've seen OC-3 only with reverse die state b.

Photo credits:

Obverse 2: 1859-O PCGS MS63, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse B: 1859-O NGC MS60 CAC Gold, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.