Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1889 Variety 3


Obverse 5	Reverse E

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Die Flow Lines

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse E Die Crack Mapping

Die Crack from 5:00

Die Crack from 6:15

Die Flow Lines

Obverse 5 is observed with date placement at B, with the date positioned high. Obverse 5 has developed moderately heavy die flow lines.

Reverse E is rotated 7 degrees clockwise and is in a similar die state as obverse 5, with the advancement of moderately heavy die flow lines. Reverse E develops the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the rim at 5:00 upward through the wreath to the denticles at 3:00.
2. Die crack from the denticles at 6:15 through the arrow quill and olive leaves.

Comments: Variety 3 is the initial die pairing of reverse E, which will later be in service during the 1889 variety 21 die pairing.

Variety 3 was first brought to my attention during late October by Craig McClain, who keenly noticed the use of reverse E in the above plate coin that resided in the inventory of Ed Nathanson. Prior to this discovery, a later die state reverse E was paired with an earlier die state obverse 23 during the variety 21 die pairing that led me to believe that reverse E was in service prior to the variety 21 die pairing. With Craig's observations, the initial die pairing of reverse E is now known.

Plate coin: Ed Nathanson, AU50