1866 OC-P2

1866 OC-P2 Original Proof

Die Pair	P2 - PA
Date Grid	R QTR / 5-2.0 / Level
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R3
1, 6 Vertical	C, C
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the first of two uses of Obverse P2 and the second and final use 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 P2
Obverse P2 can be easily identified. It’s much farther right than either Obverse P1 or Obverse 1. The following photo shows the Obverse P2 attribution grid.

1866 Obverse P2 attribution grid

Obverse P2 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 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-P2 has been found only with reverse die state a. Two examples of this die marriage have been seen with 20 degrees counterclockwise die rotation. This rotation is apparently very rare. We estimate it to be R6.

Photo credits:

Obverse P2: 1866 PCGS AU58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse PA: 1866 PCGS PR61, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.