Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1888 Variety 33


Obverse 35	Reverse AI

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Reverse Diagnostics

Clash Mark Through (C)ENT

Primary Die Crack (Click Image To Enlarge)

Reverse AI.2 Primary Die Crack Between 3:30 and 5:00
Lower Die Crack	Upper Die Crack

Reverse AI.2 Die Crack At 9:00

Rev. AI.3 Retained Cud Between 3:30 and 5:00

Obverse 35 is observed with date placement at RH.

Reverse AI has acquired a clash mark through (C)ENT. Reverse AI has developed the following die cracks:
1. Moderately severe die crack that extends downward from the rim at 3:30 through the middle and lower arrow heads as well as the tips of the right ribbon end to the rim at 5:00.
2. Die crack at the outside edge of the left wreath at 9:00.
Rev. AL.2: The Reverse AI die cracks have now become more severe.
Rev. AI.3: Reverse AI has now formed a retained cud between 3:30 and 5:00.

Comments: Examination of Obverse 35 and Reverse AI reveal differing die states, with Obverse 35 exhibiting light to moderately heavy die flow lines and Reverse AI exhibiting heavy die flow lines in comparison. The difference in die state between Obverse 35 and Reverse AI indicates Reverse AI was in service prior to the Variety 33 die pairing. The following compares the contrasting die states of Obverse 35 and Reverse AI:

Obverse 35 Die Flow Lines Click To Enlarge

Reverse AI Die Flow Lines Click To Enlarge

Variety 33b was first identified by this author during late late August 2017.

During early February 2019, David Killough submitted the Variety 33a Plate Coin prior to the formation of the Reverse AI.3 Retained Cud. Reverse AI of David's coin has developed heavy die cracking between 3:30 and 5:00, which will later form the AI.2 retained break. David's submission was an important contribution into the insight of Variety 33, since the higher grade example David provided illustrated the die state difference between Obverse 35 and Reverse AI.

Plate Coin (Variety 33): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU50
Plate Coin (Variety 33a): Courtesy of David Killough Collection, AU53
Plate Coin (Variety 33b): Keith Bock Collection, G4

Die States For 1888 Variety 33

VARIETY 33 OBVERSE 35 REVERSE AI
VARIETY 33a OBVERSE 35 REVERSE AI.2
VARIETY 33b OBVERSE 35 REVERSE AI.3