Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1888 Variety 37


Obverse 39	Reverse AM

Obverse Diagnostics

Obverse 39 Die Crack Mapping

Date Position

Clash Mark In Front Of Face

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse AM Die Crack Mapping

Clash Mark Through The C Of CENT

Obverse 39 is observed with date placement at RH and has acquired a clash mark in front of the face of Miss Liberty from a clashing event with Reverse AM. Obverse 39 has developed the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the denticles at 2:45 upward connecting AM of AMERICA.
2. Die crack from the denticles at 5:00 connecting the bases of the date and exiting into the denticles at 7:00.
3. Die crack connecting ED of UNITED.

Reverse AM is rotated 7 degrees clockwise and has acquired a clash mark through the C of CENT from a clashing event with Obverse 39. Reverse AM develops the following die cracks:
1. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 2:00 downward through the right wreath to the rim at 3:30. A small die crack from the denticles between crack #1 and crack #2 into crack #2.
2. Heavy die crack from the rim at 3:45 downward through the middle and lower arrowheads, ribbon end and wreath stem to the rim at 5:15. A light die crack just before 5:15 upward connecting the ribbon end and lower arrowhead.
3. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 7:00 through the arrow quill and olive leaves.
4. Heavy die crack from the rim at 8:15 downward through the outer edges of the olive leaves and connecting with crack #3.
5. Die crack from the rim at 9:15 into the wreath, where it extends upward through the wreath to a point at 10:30 and downward where it intersects die crack #4.

Comments: Variety 37 may be characterized by both obverse and reverse exhibiting cracking, although the reverse cracking is more severe and extensive in comparison to the obverse. Many 1888 reverses will develop die cracking at varying degrees and recognizing the specific die crack patterns is necessary for accurate attributions.

Variety 37 was first identified by David Killough, who submitted the above plate coin during late July 2018 for inclusion in this book based on the Reverse AM die cracking.

Plate coin: Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VF30