Definitive Reference For Indian Cent Die Varieties

DEFINITIVE REFERENCE FOR INDIAN CENT DIE VARIETIES

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1897 Variety 2


Obverse 4	Reverse D

Obverse Diagnostics

Date Position

Die Flow Lines

Reverse Diagnostics

Die Flow Lines

Obverse 4 is observed with date placement at LH. Obverse 4 has developed moderately heavy die flow lines.

Reverse D is rotated 106 degrees counter clockwise and is in a similar die state as Obverse 4, with the advancement of moderately heavy die flow lines.
Rev. Da: Reverse D is rotated 134 degrees counter clockwise.
Rev. Db: Reverse D is rotated 162 degrees counter clockwise.

Comments: Variety 2 exhibits substantial working die rotation and has neither cracked nor clashed during its service. I suspect Variety 2 is subject to dynamic working die rotaion; however, locating additional examples of variety 2 to support my suspicion will prove difficult due to the lack of die markers to easily identify the die pairing.

During early January 2022, an example of Variety 2 with Reverse D in a 134 degrees counter clockwise rotated position was submitted to this author and was identified by Louis R. Mallicone. Louis's coin confirms that Variety 2 experienced dynamic die rotation durings its service.

During mid February 2023, Greg Bowyer submitted an example of Variety 2 with Reverse D in a 162 degrees counter clockwise rotated position. Greg's example represents the greatest working die rotation of Variety 2 yet identified and is the Variety 2ab Plate Coin illustrated below.

Plate Coin: D. Poliquin Collection, VF20 details
Plate Coin (Variety 2a): Courtesy of Louis Mallicone Collection, G4
Plate Coin (Variety 2ab): Courtesy of Greg Bowyer Collection, G4

Die States For 1897 Variety 2

VARIETY 2 OBVERSE 4 REVERSE D
VARIETY 2a OBVERSE 4 REVERSE Da
VARIETY 2ab OBVERSE 4 REVERSE Db