Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1888 Variety 38


Obverse 40	Reverse AN

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Artifact In Neck (Click Image To Enlarge)

Triangular Artifacts (Click Imaage To Enlarge)

Obverse 40 Die Crack Mapping

Reverse Diagnostics

Clash Mark Through (C)ENT

Clash Marks To The Right Of CEN(T)

Clash Marks To The Right Of ON(E)

Reverse AN Die Crack Mapping

Obverse 40 is identified by date placement at C, die artifact in the neck and triangular die artifacts above STATE(S). Obverse 40 has acquired a light clash mark in front of the eye of Miss Liberty from a clashing event with Reverse AN. Reverse AN has developed the following die cracks:
1. Light die crack from the denticles at 1:00 downward connecting the tops of 'OF (AM)ERICA' and exiting into the denticles at 2:30.
2. Light die crack from the denticles at 3:00 downward connecting 'AME(RICA)'.
3. Light die crack from the rim at 4:30 connecting the bases of the digits of the date.
4. Light die crack from the denticles at 9:00 downward connecting the tops of '(UNIT)ED'.
5. Light die crack connecting 'UNITE(D)' and '(S)TATES'
6. Light die crack through 'ST(ATES)' and the first feather, where it extends into the field and merges with die crack #1.

Reverse AN has acquired clash marks through (C)ENT and to the right of the denomination from a clashing event with Obverse 40. Reverse AN has developed the following die cracks:
1. Light die crack extending from the upper right side of the shield.
2. Light die crack from the rim at 2:45 upward through the right wreath.
3. Light die crack segment from the middle arrowhead upward into the right wreath.
4. Light die crack segment from the field below the ribbon knot and through the wreath stem and right ribbon end.
5. Die crack from the rim at 7:45 upward intersecting the top olive leaf and into the field. A die crack segment extends to the right of this die crack and extends into the olive leaves.
6. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 8:45 upward through the left wreath at 10:00, where it splits into two die cracks. One die crack extends into the denticles at 10:15 and the other die crack extends further north and exits into the denticles at 10:45.
7. Light die crack from within the left wreath at 9:00 extends into the field and touches the left side of (O)NE.
8. Die crack from the rim at 11:30 into the top of the shield.

Comments: Variety 38 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 Reverse AN. Upon examination of David's submission, I was able to identify two confirming attributes of Obverse 40 in the form of a MPD-like artifact in the neck of Miss Liberty and a series of triangular artifacts above STATE(S). Although the artifact in the neck is is quite minor in size, both of the Obverse 40 identifying attributes are interesting and the point of interest for Variety 38.

The die cracking of Variety 38 is light in general, with the exception of the moderately heavy Reverse AN die crack from 8:45.

An MS66RB example of Variety 38 is imaged on the PCGS Coinfacts Website.

Plate coin: Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VF35