Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1889 Variety 29


Obverse 31	Reverse AD

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Repunched First 8

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Breaks Along Reverse AD Die Crack

Clash Marks Through The C Of CENT

Reverse AD.2 Die Crack

Reverse AD Die Crack Mapping

Obverse 31 is observed with date placement at LH and date repunching that features initial date impressions to the southeast below the upper loop and within the lower loop of the first 8. Obverse 31 has developed light die flow lines.
Obv. 31.2: Obverse 31 has now developed moderately heavy die flow lines.

Reverse AD is rotated 5 degrees clockwise and has acquired two sets of clash marks through the C of CENT and to the right of the denomination. Reverse AD has developed moderately heavy to heavy die flow lines and the following die crack:
1. Die crack from the rim at 6:15 upward through the left wreath to the first outer oak leaf. Two small die breaks have developed above and below the olive leaf that is positioned above the arrow quill.
Rev. AD.2: Reverse AD has now developed heavy die flow lines and the following die crack:
1. Light die crack from the middle arrowhead upward through the outer edge of the first two oak leaves in the right wreath.

Comments: Several 1889 reverses develop a die crack similar in location to that of the Reverse AD die crack.

Examination of Obverse 31 and Reverse AD reveals different die states, with Obverse 31 developing light die flow lines compared to the moderately heavy to heavy die flow lines of Reverse AD. The difference in die states between Obverse 31 and Reverse AD indicates Reverse AD was in service prior to the Variety 29 die pairing. Below is a comparison of the two die states:

Obverse 31 Die Flow Lines

Reverse AD Die Flow Lines

The above plate coin, which was submitted by Paul Nomes during mid January 2019, illustrates a previously identified die pairing that had no image in the Snow attribution guide.

During late January 2019, this author discovered the Variety 29a die state. During the 29a die state, Obverse 31 and Reverse AD become more heavily flow lined and an additional light die crack has formed from the middle arrowhead upward through the outer edge of the first two oak leaves of Reverse AD.

Plate Coin (Variety 29): Courtesy of Paul Nomes Collection, AU50
Plate Coin (Variety 29a): D. Poliquin Collection, AU58

Die States For 1889 Variety 29

VARIETY 29 OBVERSE 31 REVERSE AD
VARIETY 29a OBVERSE 31.2 REVERSE AD.2