1872 OC-1

1872 OC-1

Die Pair	1 - 1871 C
Date Grid	LE / 5-3.5 / S down
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R3
1, 2 Vertical	VSL, L
Reverse Die States	c

Comments: This is the first of two uses of Obverse 1 and the only use of Reverse 1871 C in 1872.
Reverse 1871 C was first used to strike three die pairings in 1871.

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

1872 Obverse 1 attribution grid

A light die line slants down to the left at the edge of the unfinished area under Miss Liberty’s chin, providing an additional die marker. This is shown in the following photo.

1872 Obverse 1 die line under chin

Obverse 1 Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse 1871 C
Reverse 1871 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.

Reverse 1871 C die line and lumps

Reverse 1871 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 and extends into the field below A3.

OC-1 has been found only with reverse die state c.

Photo credits:

Obverse 1: 1872 PCGS MS62, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse 1871 C: 1871 PCGS AU58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.