Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1869 Variety 9


Obverse 10	Reverse J

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Misplaced 69 in the Denticles

Misplaced Digit Punch Location

Reverse Diagnostics

Reverse J Die Cracks

Reverse J.2 Die Cracks

Reverse J.3 Retained Cud Between 4:30 and 5:45

Reverse J.4 Cud Between 4:30 and 5:45

Reverse J.3 Die Crack Mapping

Obverse 10 is identified by misplaced 1869 digits in the denticles below the primary date, with date placement at LE. Obverse 10 develops two sets of clash marks from a clashing event with Reverse J.

Reverse J is observed with two sets of clash marks from a clashing event with Obverse 10. Reverse J develops the following die cracks:
1. Die crack from the denticles at 5:45 through the wreath stem, ribbon end and arrowheads to a point at 4:00 within the right wreath.
2. Die crack from the denticles at 4:30 intersecting the above die crack.
Rev. J.2: Reverse J die cracking between 4:30 and 5:45 has now become more severe with the entire section between 4:30 and 5:45 above the field area, particularly near 5:45. In addition, the following die crack forms:
1. Die crack between the wreath stem and right ribbon end extends from die crack #1 above and continues through the wreath stem to the ribbon knot.
Rev. J.3: Reverse J develops a retained cud between 4:30 and 5:45.
Rev. J.4: Reverse J retained cud is absent, resulting in the subsequent flow of metal into the void left behind by the retained break.

Comments: Variety 9 represents the initial usage of Obverse 10, which will later be paired with Reverse K during the Variety 10 Die Pairing. The Reverse changeover to Reverse K was undoubtedly the result of the development of the Reverse J.4 cud. The emission sequence for Obverse 10 is based on the two clashing events between Obverse 10 and Reverse J. During the subsequent die pairing of Obverse 10, Obverse 10 bears the same double clash marks while Reverse K shows only one set.

The misplaced digits of Obverse 10 are most likely the result of an alignment error with the digit punch. The initial digit punch impression was too far southwest and at an angle of approximately 3 degrees clockwise with respect to the primary date placement.

Varieties 9 and 9a were initially identified by this author during late June 2015.

Plate Coin (Variety 9): Images courtesy of Ed Nathanson, F12
Plate Coin (Variety 9a): Keith Bock Collection, G4
Plate Coin (Variety 9b): Imaages courtesy of Rick Snow of Eagle Eye Rare Coins, PCGS MS64RB (PS)
Plate Coin (Variety 9c): Keith Bock Collection, G4