Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1880 Variety 23


Obverse 25	Reverse X

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Broken Digits (Click Image To Enlarge)

Reverse Diagnostics

Primary Die Crack (Click Image To Enlarge)

Clash Marks Through (C)ENT

Reverse X Die Crack Mapping

Obverse 25 is observed with date placement at LH and broken first 8, second 8 and 0 digits of the date.

Reverse X has acquired two sets of clash marks located through (C)ENT and to the right of the denomination. Reverse X has developed the following die cracks:
1. Moderately heavy die crack from the rim at 11:15 extends through the top of the shield and exits into the rim at 12:45.
2. Die crack from the denticles at 7:45 extends along the lower edge of the middle olive leaf.

Comments: The broken digits of Obverse 25 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. However, the Obverse 25 breakage of the 0 digit illustrated above exhibits breaks at the top and the break at the lower right side is located higher than normally seen and at an earlier stage relative to the breakage of the first and second 8 digits.

Several 1880 reverses crack at the top of the working die and in a similar manner as Reverse X. The Reverse X die cracking is very similar to the die cracking of Reverse W of the 1880 Variety 22 Die Pairing.

Variety 23 was first identified by David Killough, who submitted the above plate coin during early July 2022 for inclusion in this book based on the broken date digits of Obverse 25 and the die cracking of Reverse X..

Plate Coin: Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU53 (Snow 4g Plate Coin)