1871 OC-1

1871 OC-1

Die Pair	1 - A
Date Grid	LE / 4-4.0 / Level
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R2
1, 1 Vertical	C, VSH
Reverse Die States	a, b

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse 1 and the first of five uses of Reverse A.

Obverse 1
The photo below shows the Obverse 1 attribution grid.

1871 Obverse 1 attribution grid

Additional die markers are two small lumps just right of the Y in LIBERTY, shown in the photo below. The lower lump is most easily seen. At least the lower lump will be visible on examples VF or better.

1871 Obverse 1 lumps in gown left of Y

Obverse 1 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed. OC-1 is usually seen weakly struck on the right side stars.

Reverse A
1871 Reverse A was the workhorse die for the year, paired with 5 different obverse dies. It features two minor but notable die markers that allow easy identification for any coin grading a strong F or better. A small die line curls up to the right off the lower right base of the first T in TRUST. A small lump is attached to the lower edge of the D in GOD. The photo below shows these markers. The die line may not be clearly visible in photos. It depends on the lighting and the condition of the coin being viewed. The lump can almost always be seen, even on very low-grade coins.

1871 Reverse A die markers

Reverse A Die States

Perfect die.
A faint die crack crosses the top of ERICA.
A faint die crack crosses the top of TES. The crack above ERICA has now extended across M.
The die crack across the top of TES now extends across the top of OF.

No later die states have been observed. OC-1 is found with reverse die states a and b.

Photo credits:

Obverse 1:   1871 PCGS XF40, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Obverse 1 lumps:   1871 PCGS PR62, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse A:   1871 PCGS MS61, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.