1859-O OC-5

Die Pair 1 - D
Date Grid L QTR / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States a, b
Estimated Rarity R4
1, 9 Vertical SH, SH
Reverse Die States a



Comments:    This is the first of three uses of Obverse 1 and the only use of Reverse D.


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 die states.
No later die states have been observed. OC-5 has been found only with obverse die states a and b.


Reverse D

The reverse D mintmark position is virtually identical to reverse A, but numerous lumps created by die rust pits are visible around the leaves and ONE. These make it relatively easy to identify on mid- to high-grade coins. The arrows on the photo below indicate a few if the more notable features. The mintmark has a slight counter-clockwise rotation, different from reverse A, which is rotated slightly clockwise.



1859-O Reverse D mintmark and lumps


Reverse D Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. A heavy die crack from the rim above the right edge of D1, extending through the middle of S1 to the base of T1, then across the base of TATE.
No later die states have been observed. We've only seen one example of reverse die state b. It was lot #33688 in a Heritage auction, hammered March 27, 2012.



Photo credits:

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


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