Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1865 Plain 5 Variety 15

Obverse 5.2

Reverse AK

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched 1 to the East

Repunched 5 to the South

Misplaced Digits in the Denticles

Die Chip to the Right of A of AMERICA

Die Break Through 4th Feather to A of AMERICA

Die Damage in front of Neck

Die Damage on M of AMERICA

Obverse 5 has now developed die damage located in front of the neck.

Reverse AK has yet to be observed with any die markers, other than the shield points and olive leaf being away from the denticles.
Rev. AKa: Reverse AK is rotated 105 degrees counter clockwise.
Rev. AKb: Reverse AK is rotated 135 degrees counter clockwise.

Comments: Obverse 5 was initially paired with reverse D during the 1865 Plain 5 variety 2 die pairing.

The reverse rotation of Variety 15a was first brought to my attention by a coin listed on Ebay by Ed Nathanson during late May 2015. The measurement of rotation is approximate, since I was not able to measure the rotation personally. The fact that Ed imaged the coin in a cardboard 2x2 and flipped the coin to illustrate the rotation provides a reasonably accurate reference in which to measure the rotation via photographic editing.

During early April 2018 I discovered Variety 15ab, which features Reverse AK rotated 135 degrees counter clockwise. The 15a and 15ab die states indicate dynamic die rotation was evident during the Variety 15 die pairing.

Plate Coin (Variety 15): Robert Malo, Jr. Collection, MS62BN
Plate Coin (Variety 15a): Images courtesy of Ed Nathanson
Plate Coin (Variety 15ab): Malcolm Collection, F15

Die States for 1865 Plain 5 Variety 15

VARIETY 15 OBVERSE 5.2 REVERSE AK
VARIETY 15a OBVERSE 5.2 REVERSE AKa
VARIETY 15ab OBVERSE 5.2 REVERSE AKb