Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

Home
Table of Contents
For Sale List
Numismatic Links
David's Numismatic Blog

1865 Fancy 5 Variety 20


Obverse 18	Reverse AJ

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Clash Mark In Front Of Eye

Clash Mark Between Feather 9 and Hair Curl

Die Lines Through Date

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse AJ Die Crack Mapping

Clash Mark Through (C)ENT

Clash Mark Above (O)NE

Rev. AJ.2 Retained Cud Between 7:15 and 8:30

Obverse 18 is observed with date placement at B and die lines from the bottom of the portrait that extend diagonally downward through the date. Obverse 18 has acquired clash marks in front of the eye of Miss Liberty and between feather 9 and the hair curl from a clashing event with Reverse AJ.

Reverse AJ has acquired clash marks through (C)ENT and above (O)NE from a clashing event with Obverse18. Reverse AJ has developed the following die cracks:
1. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 4:15 extends through the bottom of the wreath and exits into the rim at 7:15.
2. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 8:30 extends downward through the first oak leaf and the olives to the first olive leaf, where it intersects die crack #1.
3. Moderately heavy die crack from the first olive leaf by berry extends upward and intersects die crack #2 twice within the olive olive leaves. This die crack becomes light as it extends into the first oak leaf and will split at the top of the first oak leaf, with one crack continuing upward a short distance and the other crack extending diagonally downward were it intersects die crack #2.
4. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 10:30 extends downward into the left wreath.

Comments: The Reverse AJ retained cud was first illustrated in Frank Leone's reference 'Sam Thurman's Cud Collection'.

During mid May 2020, David Killough submitted an example of Variety 20 that exhibited an earlier die state of Reverse AJ prior to the formation of the Reverse AJ.2 retained cud.

Plate Coin (Variety 20): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU50
Plate Coin (Variety 20a): D. Poliquin Collection, F12

Die States For 1865 Fancy 5 Variety 20

VARIETY 20 OBVERSE 18 REVERSE AJ
VARIETY 20a OBVERSE 18 REVERSE AJ.2