Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1866 Variety 2


Obverse 3	Reverse B

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched 18 to the South and 66 to the North

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse B.3 Die Crack Mapping

Die Cracks from 1:30

Die Crack from 10:30

Reverse B.2 Die Crack between 9:00 and 10:30

Reverse B.3 Retained Cud Between 9:00 and 10:30

Obverse 3 is identified by repunching to the south on the 18 and repunching to the north on the 66, with date placement at RE.

Reverse B develops the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 1:30 that splits with one crack touching the wreath and the other continuing downward at approximately 3:00.
2. Die crack from the rim at 10:30 down into the wreath to a point at approximately 9:45.
Rev. B.2: Die crack from the rim at 10:30 now extends downward to the rim at 9:00.
Rev. B.3: Reverse B now develops a retained cud between 9:00 and 10:30.

Comments: Obverse 3 will later be paired with reverse C during the 1866 variety 3 die pairing. The reverse B retained cud is undoubtedly the reason for the mint's changeover from reverse B to reverse C.

The obverse 3 repunching indicates an intial digit punch impression with a sharp slope that caused the 1 to be too close to the denticles. Therefore, the date alignment was corrected to give a more balanced appearance. The date repunching is bold on the 1 and last 6 and less so on the 86 due to the nature of this initial digit punch slope.

The 1866 variety 2a plate coin listed below was kindly furnished by Robert Ladum.

The 1866 variety 2b plate coin listed below was featured within the inventory of David Kahn Rare Coins. The coin originated from the Westmoreland Collection of One Cent Errors, where it was initially identified by the owner of the Westmoreland Collection. David Kahn of David Kahn Rare Coins was extremely kind in allowing me to use his images to illustrate variety 2 for this book.

Plate coin: Ebay Auction 10/10/14, NGC AU Details

1869 Variety 9 Die States

VARIETY 2 OBVERSE 3 REVERSE B
VARIETY 2a OBVERSE 3 REVERSE B.2
VARIETY 2b OBVERSE 3 REVERSE B.3