1871 OC-9

1871 OC-9

Die Pair	8 - C
Date Grid	JR of C / 5-2.0 / Level
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R3+
1, 1 Vertical	VH, VH
Reverse Die States	a, b

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse 8 and the first of three uses of Reverse C in 1871.
Reverse C is transitional, paired with an additional obverse in 1872.

Obverse 8
The photo below shows the Obverse 8 attribution grid.

1871 Obverse 8 attribution grid

An additional marker for obverse 8 is a small circular die line at the intersection of Miss Liberty’s leg with her body, shown in the photo below.

1871 Obverse 8 circular die line

Obverse 8 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse C
1871 Reverse C features a light die line joining the middle of WE in the motto, pictured in the next photo. The additional arrows point to two lumps that serve as additional markers on high-grade coins. All these markers are very subtle. They may not be visible on lower grade coins. Even on high grade coins they can disappear if the lighting isn’t at the right angle.

1871 Reverse C die line and lumps

Reverse C Die States

Perfect die.
Faint die cracks cross the top of NITED S and the top of RICA.
The first die crack now crosses the top of UNITED. The second crosses the top of ERICA, extending into the field below A3.

No later die states have been observed. OC-9 has been found only with reverse die states a and b. Die state c has been seen only on the 1872 die marriage.

Photo credits:

Obverse 8: 1871 ICG AU55, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse C: 1871 PCGS AU58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.