Obverse 26 is identified by date placement at LE, date repunching that
features initial date impressions to the north within both loops of the
first 8 digit, artifacts located on either side of the lower loop of
the second 8 digit, a broken base of the first 8 digit and a broken top
of the second 8 digit. Obverse 26 has cracked and has
acquired clash marks from a clashing event with Reverse Y.
Reverse Y has cracked and has acquired clash marks from a clashing
event with Obverse 26.
Comments: The
broken
digits of Obverse 26 are the result of the deteriorating digit punch
utilized in 1880 to impress the date into individual obverse working
dies. The digit punch would continue to degrade
during its service, with the greatest deterioration exhibiting an
increase in breakage at the bottom left of the first 8, the bottom of
the second 8 and the bottom of the 0.
The
Obverse 26 artifacts located on either side of the lower loop of the
second 8 digit may very well be additional initial date impressions,
though I cannot presently substantiate this.
Variety
24 was first identified by David Killough, who submitted the above
plate coin during late June 2024 for inclusion in this book based
on the date repunching of Obverse 26 and the die cracking of Reverse Y.
Plate Coin:
Courtesy of David Killough Collection, VF25