1871 OC-13

Die Pair 12 - D
Date Grid RE / 5-1.5 / Level
Obverse Die States a
Estimated Rarity R2
1, 1 Vertical VSL, VSL
Reverse Die States a, b



Comments:
   This is the only use of Obverse 12 and the second and final use of Reverse D.


Obverse 12

The photo below shows the attribution grid for Obverse 12. The only notable die markers other than the date position are a small group of diagonal die lines that extend from the lower right side of the shield into the gown. The arrow in the photo points to the most notable of these lines. The die is also very slightly doubled, with the doubling visible on the hem just right of the shield tip. Note that the die lines can be an unreliable marker for identifying this obverse die. They’re usually not visible in photos. However, once the reverse is identified as Reverse D the obverse date position should easily identify this very common die marriage.



1871 Obverse 12 attribution grid
and die lines


Obverse 12 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.


Reverse D

Reverse D features a tiny but notable lump just right of the lower edge of the upper serif of the G in GOD. This lump is usually visible on mid- to high-grade examples. It’s pictured in the next photo. This reverse displays no other notable markers, so it may be difficult to identify on coins below VF.



1871 Reverse D lump near G in GOD


Reverse D Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Very light peripheral die cracks surround the reverse at the outside of the letters.
No later die states have been observed. OC-13 has been found with both reverse die states.



Photo credits:

Obverse 12 and Reverse D:   1871 NGC AU55, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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