1866 OC-P1

1866 OC-P1 Original Proof

Die Pair	P1 - PA
Date Grid	R QTR / 4-2.0 / VS up
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R4-
1, 6 Vertical	SL, C
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse P1 and the first of two uses of Reverse PA in 1866.
Reverse 1866 PA is transitional, used to strike at least one proof die pair for each year from 1866 through 1870.

Obverse P1
Obverse P1 can be easily identified. The date is much farther left than Obverse P2, and lower than either Obverse 1 or Obverse P2. The following photo shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid.

1866 Obverse P1 attribution grid

Obverse P1 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse 1866 PA
Reverse 1866 PA can be quickly identified by the heavy die line under GOD in the motto. Lesser die lines are visible passing through the center of N and the center of WE. Note that these die lines can be difficult to see in a picture if the lighting isn't right. Numerous die lines and lumps are also visible in the unfinished areas around the leaves. These are shown in the photos below.

Reverse 1866 PA die lines under GOD
and through WE

Reverse 1866 PA die lines near leaves

Reverse 1866 PA Die States

Perfect die.
The die lines and unfinished areas near the leaves have been significantly reduced by die polishing.

OC-P1 has been found only with reverse die state a.

Photo credits:

Obverse P1 and Reverse PA: 1866 PCGS PR61, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.