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1841-O
Variety 104a
Obverse 3: Medium Level Date
Reverse D.2: Lapped Die, Medium O, [mm Rt,H,TR], Die Crack STAT(ES)
Obverse 3 Reverse D.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Obverse 3 remains in the same die state as Variety 104. Weakness in the lower shield is again typical for this date and variety.
Reverse D has been lapped or polished resulting in overall loss of details in the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with acute detail loss at AMERICA. The die crack at STAT(ES) is more evident than the non lapped die state. The lapped Reverse D die will again be employed during 1842, resulting in one of the three major shattered reverses for the 1842 production year.
F-104 Before Lapping F-104a After Lapping
The question of when was Reverse D lapped, either during production in 1841 or before coinage resumed in 1842, has been answered with the discovery of this specimen. We can say with certainty that the New Orleans mint workers lapped several 1841-O reverse dies during 1841 resulting in poor legend details post die lapping in 1841 and progressively worst coinage outcomes with reverse die reuse during 1842.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS F15