Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1898 Variety 15


Obverse 20	Reverse U

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched 9

Artifact Within Lower Loop Of Final 8

Obverse 20.2 Die Break Atop Eighth Feather

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Line Within Inner Edge Of Right Wreath

Die Polish Lines To The Right Of Shield

Die Polish Lines Between (CE)NT

Die Polish Lines Through Stem and Ribbon End

Obverse 20 is identified by date placement at RH, a chip-like anomaly in the lower loop of the final 8 and date repunching that features an initial date impression to the east within the lower loop of the 9. Obverse 20 has acquired light die flow lines and is observed with light die polish lines.
Obv. 20.2: The Obverse 20 die flow lines are now moderately heavy to heavy.
Obv. 20.3: Obverse 20 develops a small die break at the tip of the eighth feather.

Reverse U is rotated 5 degrees clockwise and is in a similar die state as Obverse 20, with the advancement of light die flow lines. Reverse U is observed with a die line along the lower inner edge of the right wreath and numerous die polish lines.
Rev. U.2: The Reverse U die flow lines are now moderately heavy to heavy.

Comments: Variety 15 was initially identified by David Killough, who contacted this author during early June 2016 to request attribution in regards to the date repunching of Obverse 20. Amazingly, David actually acquired different die states of Variety 15 and submitted both for inclusion in this book. Examination of the coins revealed minor repunching to the east within the lower loop of the 9 and what appears to be die erosion within the lower loop of the last 8. There may be a possibility that additional repunching may have been evident within the lower loop of the last 8 during an earlier die state of Obverse 20.

The formation of the eighth feather tip die break during the Obverse 20.3 die state is a common die failure point and is more commonly seen on various obverses during 1899.

During mid November 2018, David Killough submitted another example from the Variety 15 die pairing that resided in the earliest die state yet seen. Since David's recent submission is an earlier die state of Obverse 20 prior to the advancement of heavier die flow lines, die erosion may be ruled out as an explanation of the anomaly in the lower loop of the final 8. In addition, the earlier Obverse 20 die state yields a raised area in the upper section of the lower loop of the 9 that may be associated with the anomaly in the lower loop of the final 8.

Plate Coin (Variety 15): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VF35
Plate Coin (Variety 15a): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VF30
Plate Coin (Variety 15b): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU58

Die States for 1898 Variety 15

VARIETY 15 OBVERSE 20 REVERSE U
VARIETY 15a OBVERSE 20.2 REVERSE U.2
VARIETY 15b OBVERSE 20.3 REVERSE U.2