Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1880 Variety 14


Obverse 16	Reverse P

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Degradation on Denomination

Die Degradation Below Shield

Die Degradation Above Shield

Die Degradation Near Left Wreath

Obverse 16 is identified by broken 880 of the date, with date placement at C.

Reverse P is observed with die degradation among the letters of the denomination, shield and wreath.

Comments: The reverse P die degradation is the product of an improperly hardened working die. The cause of this 'soft die' is either die steel issues or improper annealing of the working die between hubbings from a working hub. An improperly hardened working die will appear normal, but will deteriorate prematurely under the forces of minting due to the die's softened state.

Reverse P will later be paired with obverse 17 during the 1880 variety 15 die pairing.

Variety 14 was initially identified by Jim Graham.

All images are courtey of Russell Doughty, who was very kind in allowng me to use his images to illustrate variety 14 for this book.

Plate coin: Jim Graham, VF35