1868 OC-P2

1868 OC-P2 Original Proof Triple Punched 1, Repunched 8's

Die Pair	P2 - 1866 PA
Date Grid	RE / 4-4.5 / S down
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R3+
1, 8 Vertical	H, C
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse P2 and the second and final use of Reverse 1866 PA in 1868.
Reverse PA is transitional, used to strike at least one proof die pair for each year from 1866 through 1870.

Obverse P2
The following photo shows the Obverse P2 attribution grid. The date is repunched, with the 1 triple punched.

1868 Obverse P2 attribution grid
and repunched date

Obverse P2 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse 1866 PA
Reverse 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 in motto

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. However, the die lines near the leaves are a little weaker due to die polish, though still clearly visible. Both OC-P1 and OC-P2 are often weekly struck at the top of the eagleâ€™s left wing, more so OC-P1.

Photo credits:

Obverse P2: 1868 PCGS Secure PR62, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1866 PA: 1866 PCGS PR61, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.