1859-S OC-2

1859-S OC-2 Repunched 18

Die Pair	2 - B
Date Grid	B / 4-4.5 / Level
Obverse Die States	a, b

Estimated Rarity	R4
1, 9 Vertical	H, H
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse 2 and the only use of Reverse B.

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

1859-S Obverse 2 attribution grid
Obverse 2 shows no notable die markers, but the date position is sufficient different from Obverse 1 to allow positive attribution. Early die states show significant repunching on 18 (see the arrows in the photo above), but Obverse 1 shows very similar repunching, so this isn’t a good marker to use for attribution.

Obverse 2 Die States

Perfect die.
Die polishing has removed all evidence of repunching on the 18.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse B
The photo below shows the mintmark position for Reverse B. Note that the Reverse B mintmark position is virtually identical to that of Reverse A, and it shows no notable markers. The obverse date position should be used to attribute the die marriage.

1859-S Reverse B mintmark

Reverse B Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed. We noted the reverse die cracks that are common on later states of Reverse A. Reverse B has never been seen with die cracks, so this can be an additional marker to confirm attribution. Most examples of OC-2 that we’ve seen have exhibited at least minor clockwise die rotation. In later states this rotation reached at least 20 degrees. We haven’t seen rotated examples of OC-1, so this can be another usable marker.

Photo credits:

Obverse 2 and Reverse B: 1859-S PCGS XF45, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.