Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1865 Plain 5 Variety 5

Obverse 7

Reverse G

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched 1 and 8 Digits

Misplaced 8 In Denticles (Click Image To Enlarge)

Obv. 7.2 Die Crack (Click Image To Enlarge)

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse G.2 Die Crack Mapping

Macro Photography Of Reverse G.2 Die Cracking and Reverse G.3 Retained Cud
Between 11:15 and 12:45 (Click Image To Enlarge)	From 3:45 (Click Image To Enlarge)	Rev. G.3 Retained Cud Between 11:15 and 12:45

Obverse 7 is identified by date placement at LE, the top of a misplaced 8 digit in the denticles below the primary 8 of the date and date repunching that features initial date impressions to the north above the 1; to the north above, within the upper loop and above the lower loop on the left side of the 8.
Obv. 7.2: Obverse 7 has developed a die crack from the rim at 2:15 downward connecting the tops of 'A(MER)ICA' and exiting into the rim at 3:45.

Reverse G is observed with no die markers.
Rev. Ga: Reverse G is rotated 21 degrees clockwise.
Rev. Gb: Reverse G is rotated 62 degrees clockwise.
Rev. Gc: Reverse G is rotated 102 degrees counter clockwise.
Rev. Gd: Reverse G is rotated 108 degrees counter clockwise.
Rev. G.2: Reverse G is rotated 180 degrees and has developed the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 12:45 extends through the top of the shield and into the rim at 11:15.
2. Die crack from the rim at 3:45 through the middle arrow head and shaft. A die crack segment that extends from the ribbon knot and along the bottom edge of the first olive leaf may be associated with the die crack from 3:45.
3. Die crack extends from die crack #2 in the field at 3:45 and continues upward through the right wreath.
Rev. G.3: Reverse G is rotated 9 degrees counter clockwise and has developed a retained cud between 11:15 and 12:45.

Comments: Reverse G has been found with three different rotations, which leads me to believe that the Plain 5 Variety 5 die pairing experienced dynamic die rotation during its service. The Plain 5 Variety 5 die pairing will continue to produce cents with varying degrees of rotation until the cause of the rotation is identified and corrected by the press operator.

During mid May 2020, David Killough submitted an example of Variety 5 with Reverse G in a rotated position of 180 degrees. In addition, Obverse 7 and Reverse G have now devloped die cracking. David's submission represents the latest die state, as well as the greatest die rotation identified for the Variety 5 die pairing. The die rotation of Variety 5 continues to be ongoing and dynamic in nature, which is highlighted by the fact that the Variety 5 working die rotation continued during the period of time required for Obverse 7 and Reverse G to develop die cracking. David's coin has been assigned the Variety 5b die pairing number in order to capture the Obverse 7.2 and Reverse G.2 die states.

During mid May 2021, David Killough submitted an example of Variety 5 with Reverse G in a rotated position of 62 degrees clockwise. David's example is the Variety 5ab Plate Coin in order to capture the Reverse G rotation.

Variety 5c was first identified by this author during mid September 2021.

Plate Coin (Variety 5): Robert Malo, Jr. Collection, PCGS XF45
Plate Coin (Variety 5a): Former D. Poliquin Collection, VF20
Plate Coin (Variety 5ab): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VG8
Plate Coin (Variety 5ac): Former D. Poliquin Collection, F12
Plate Coin (Variety 5ad): Former D. Poliquin Collection, G4
Plate Coin (Variety 5b): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU50
Plate Coin (Variety 5c): D. Poliquin Collection, VG10

Die States for 1865 Plain 5 Variety 5

VARIETY 5 OBVERSE 7 REVERSE G
VARIETY 5a OBVERSE 7 REVERSE Ga
VARIETY 5ab OBVERSE 7 REVERSE Gb
VARIETY 5ac OBVERSE 7 REVERSE Gc
VARIETY 5ad OBVERSE 7 REVERSE Gd
VARIETY 5b OBVERSE 7.2 REVERSE G.2
VARIETY 5C OBVERSE 7.2 REVERSE G.3