1869 OC-P1

1869 OC-P1 Original Proof

Die Pair	P1 - 1866 PA
Date Grid	B / 4-3.0 / VS up
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R5
1, 9 Vertical	SL, C
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the first of two uses of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse 1866 PA in 1869.
Reverse PA is transitional, used to strike at least one proof die marriage in every year from 1866 through 1870.

Obverse P1
The photo below shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid.

1869 Obverse P1 attribution grid

Obverse P1 has a small lump below the ear lobe that can aid in confirming attribution. This lump is usually visible since most proofs have strong detail, but it may be difficult to see in a picture if the lighting isn't just right.

1869 Obverse P1 lump below ear lobe

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, shown in the photo below. 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.

Reverse 1866 PA die lines in motto

Reverse 1866 PA Die States

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

No later die states have been observed. OC-P1 has been found only with reverse die state b.

Photo credits:

Obverse P1: 1869 PCGS PR63, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1866 PA: 1866 PCGS PR61, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.