Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1863 Variety 73


Obverse 71	Reverse AAW

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Reverse Diagnostics

Hub-Through Artifacts (Click Image To Enlarge)

Hub-Through Artifact (Click Image To Enlarge)

Reverse AAW Die Crack Mapping

Rev. AAW.2 Cracking Between 7:30 and 9:45

Obverse 71 is observed with date placement at LE.

Reverse AAW may be identified by numerous hub-through artifacts within the right wreath and a hub-through artifact within the olive leaves of the left wreath. Obverse AAW has developed the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 11:30 extends diagonally downward through the horizontal shield bars.
2. Die crack segment extends between 1:30 and 3:00 within the right wreath.
3. Die crack from the rim at 3:45 extends into the middle arrowhead.
4. Die crack segment extends through the lowest outer olive leaf, through the berry to the left and through the middle olive leaf.
5. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 7:30 extends upward through the left wreath and exits into the rim at 9:45.
Rev. AAW.2: Reverse AAW has developed the following additional die crack:
6. Heavy die crack from the rim at 8:45 extends into the left wreath and intersects die crack #5. A partial cud has developed between 8:45 and 9:45.

Comments: Based on the severeness of the die cracking between 8:45 and 9:45 during the Reverse AAW.2 Die State, I suspect a break may develop in this area during a subsequent die state.

Variety 73 features contrasting die states between Obverse 71 and Reverse AAW, with Obverse 71 exhibiting heavier working die flow lines compared to Reverse AAW. This difference in die state between Obverse 71 and Reverse AAW indicates that Obverse 71 was in service prior to Variety 73.

Variety 71 was first identified by Keith Bock, who submitted the Variety 71a Plate Coin during early July 2018 for inclusion in this book based on the Reverse AAW die cracking.

During early January 2022, David Killough submitted an example of Variety 73 prior to the development of the Reverse AAW.2 die crack from 8:45. David's example is the Variety 73 Plate Coin in order to capture the earlier Reverse AAW die state, while the Variety 73 discovery example is the Variety 73a Plate coin in order to capture the incremental Reverse AAW.2 Die State.

Plate Coin (Variety 73): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU50
Plate Coin (Variety 73a): Courtesy of Keith Bock Collection, VG8 details

Die States For 1863 Variety 73

VARIETY 73 OBVERSE 71 REVERSE AAW
VARIETY 73a OBVERSE 71 REVERSE AAW.2