Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1884 Variety 15


Obverse 18	Reverse T

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Possible Repunched 2nd 8 (Click Image To Enlarge)

Rim Breaks Between 4:15 and 5:00

Clash Mark In Front Of Eye

Clash Mark Below Chin

Obverse 18 Die Crack Mapping

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Polish Line From CEN(T) To Arrowhead

Reverse T Die Crack Mapping

Obverse 18 is identified by date placement at RE and a possible initial date impression within the upper loop of the second 8. Obverse 18 has acquired clash marks in front of the eye and below the chin. Obverse 18 has developed moderately heavy die flow lines, rim breaks between 4:15 and 5:00 and the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 1:15 through the top of '(O)F' and extending through the field into the top of the second feather tip.
2. Die crack from the denticles at 4:30 upward connecting the tops of 'O(F)' and '(AMERIC)A'.
3. Die crack from the bottom of 'AMERI(C)A' and extending through the lower section of the portrait.
4. Die crack from the denticles at 5:45 through the base of the 4 and into 'AMERIC(A)'.
5. Die crack segment connecting the bases of the 1 and 8.
6. Die crack from the denticles at 7:00 upward connecting the tops of 'UNITED STATES' and continuing through field where it intersects die crack #1 above the second feather.
7. Die crack from the rim at 8:00 upward intersecting die crack #6.
8. Die crack from the rim at 11:30 downward intersecting die crack #6.
9. Die crack from the bottom of 'STAT(E)S' upward through the first feather and intersecting die crack #6 above the first feather.

Reverse T exhibits die polish lines, with a prominent one extending downward from the right arm of 'CEN(T)' to the top arrowhead. Reverse T has developed the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the denticles at 12:30 to the top right of the shield.
2. Heavy die crack from the rim at 1:45 downward through the outer edge of the right wreath to the rim at 2:45. A lighter die crack extends downward from this die crack at 2:30.
3. Die crack from the rim at 3:45 through the lower half of the wreath to the rim at 7:45. A die crack extends from this die crack at the lowest olive leaf and extends upward.
4. Die crack from the denticles at 8:00 through the lower edge of the top olive leaf and into the middle olive leaf.
5. Die crack from the denticles at 10:45 downward through the outer edge of the left wreath.

Comments: Variety 15 was first identified by David Killough, who submitted the above plate coin during late August 2019 for inclusion in this book based on the die cracking of Obverse 18 and Reverse T. Examination of David's coin reveals an artifact within the upper loop of the 2nd 8 that possibly could be an initial digit punch impression.

The Obverse 18 clash marks below the chin are from the (O)NE and are not typically seen as often as the clash marks in front of the eye of Miss Liberty.

Examination of Variety 15 reveals differing die states, with Obverse 18 exhibiting moderately heavy die flow lines and Reverse T exhibiting no discernible die flow lines. Based on the contrasting die states of Obverse18 and Reverse T, it is clear that Obverse 18 was in service prior to Variety 15. The following illustrates the die state contrast between Obverse 18 and Reverse T:

Obv. 18 Die Flow Lines (Click Image To Enlarge)

Rev. T Surfaces (Click Image To Enlarge)

Plate Coin: Courtesy of David Killough Collection, MS63RB