Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1868 Variety 23


Obverse 14.2	Reverse Y

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Top Of Misplaced 8 (Click Image To Enlarge)

Misplaced 8 Orientation and Location

Clash Mark In Front Of Eye

Clash Marks Above First Three Feathers

Clash Marks Between Feathers 7, 8 and 9

Obverse 14.2 Die Crack Mapping

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Crack From 2:00

Die Crack At 9:00 (Click Image To Enlarge)

Die Crack From 11:30

Clash Mark Through (C)ENT

Clash Marks To The Right Of The Denomination

Die Line Extending From Middle Olive Leaf

Die Polish Lines (Click Image To Enlarge)

The second usage of Obverse 14. Obverse 14 is identified by date placement at C and the top of a misplaced 8 digit in the denticles below the 6 of the date. Obverse 14 has developed heavy die flow lines and has acquired clash marks in front of the eye of Miss Liberty, above the first three feathers and between feathers 7, 8 and 9 from a clashing event with Reverse N. Obverse 14 has developed the following die crack:
1. Die crack connecting the tops of 'A(MERIC)A'.

Reverse Y is observed with die polish lines throughout and a die line that extends upward from the middle olive leaf. Reverse Y has acquired clash marks through (C)ENT and to the right of the denomination from a clashing event with Obverse 14. Reverse Y has developed the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 2:00 upward through the right wreath.
2. Die crack along the outside edge of the left wreath at 9:00.
3. Die crack from the rim at 11:30 into the upper left side of the shield.

Comments: The Obverse 14 misplaced digit was originally identified as a 6 according to the Snow 12 die pairing. However, I have theorized that this misplaced digit is most likely the second 8 from an initial date impression that was positioned far to the southwest with respect to the final date placement.

Obverse 14 and Reverse Y differ substantially in die state, with Obverse 14 exhibiting heavy die flow lines, while Reverse Y is observed with numerous die polish lins and no discernible die flow lines. This difference in die state between Obverse 14 and Reverse Y indicates that Obverse 14 was in service prior to the Variety 23 Die Pairing. The following illustrates the differences in die state between Obverse 14 and Reverse Y:

Obv. 14 Die Flow Lines (Click Image To Enlarge)

Reverse N Surfaces (Click Image To Enlarge)

Obverse 14 was previously in service paired with Reverse N during the 1868 Variety 12 Die Pairing.

Plate Coin: D. Poliquin Collection, VF35