Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1865 Fancy 5 Variety 5

Obverse 4

Reverse U

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched 8 to the West

Die Crack from 1:00 to 3:30

Die Crack from 5:00 to Tops of CA

Die Crack from 5:30 to 6:30

Die Crack from 7:00 to Bust Point and 1

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Crack from 2:30 to Wreath

Die Crack from 6:30 into the Left Ribbon End

Die Crack from 9:30 to Wreath

Reverse U.2 Retained Die Cud

Obverse 4 has now developed three additional die cracks, in addition to the initial die crack from 5:00 to the tops of CA of AMERICA that formed during variety 4 die pairing. During variety 5, obverse 4 develops a small rim break at 1:00.
1. Die crack from the rim break at 1:00 to the top of F of OF and continuing through AMER, where it exits into the the denticles at 3:30.
2. Die crack from the rim at 5:00 through the tops of CA of AMERICA.
3. Light die crack from the rim at 5:30 to the bottom of the 6 and exits at the rim at 6:30.
4. Die crack from the rim at 7:00 that splits and extends to the bust point and the flag of the 1.

Reverse U is rotated 5 degrees counter clockwise and exhibits die clashing to the right of the denomination and through the C of CENT. Three die cracks are observed for reverse U:
1. Die crack from the rim at 2:30 extends into the field and from a 90 degree angle will travel downward through the right wreath.
2. Die crack from the rim at 6:30 into the left ribbon end.
3. Die crack from the rim at 9:30 into the wreath, where it extends downward.
Rev. U.2: The die crack from 2:30 is now connected to the rim at 3:30 and a retained cud forms in this area defined by the die crack.

Comments: Obverse 4 was initially in service during variety 4, which also featured a reverse that was rotated 5 degrees counter clockwise. Since both variety 4 and variety 5 feature reverses with clash marks that are rotated 5 degrees and both varieties share the same obverse, I may conclude that obverse 4 is actually rotated 5 degrees rather than the reverses. Therefore, obverse 4 has always been rotated 5 degrees since its installation in the press.

Since it usually cannot be ascertained which die rotates, die rotation measurements are based on the assumption that the reverse die has rotated. However, the case made above, in regards to which die rotated, may be held as a reasonable certainty.

Plate Coin: AU50, Courtesy of Ed Nathanson

Die States for 1865 Fancy 5 Variety 5

VARIETY 5 OBVERSE 4.3 REVERSE U
VARIETY 5a OBVERSE 4.3 REVERSE U.2

* Variety 5a image courtesy of Cud-On-Coins.com