Comments: Obverse 2 is paired with a second reverse die and presents a rare die pairing variety. This reverse die, which I shall label as 1841-O Reverse N, was first discovered during an 1842 New Orleans die pairing. When employed in 1842, the reverse die exhibits very weak design elements probably due to mutiple die lappings. In the case of the pairing with 1841-O Obverse 2, the reverse die shows slightly more design element details but still appears to have been lapped. See the comparison below.

The discovery of a second reverse die to strike both 1841 and 1842 New Orleans coinage continues to fuel speculation about the possibility that a portion of dimes dated 1841 may actually have been struck in 1842. A close examination of Obverse 2 on the plate coin suggests that it too may have been lapped as the device elements are weaker than found on typical F-103 specimens.

At this time, the F-116 die pairing rarity is listed as R6. Specialist are encouraged to seek out additional specimens and report their discovery.

1841-O Varieties 101, 102, 103, 104, 104a, 105, 106, 107, 107a, 107b, 108, 108a, 109, 109a, 110, 111, 111a, 111b, 112, 112a, 113, 114, 115, 116

Back to 1841-O Varieties Table

Back to Date and Mintmark Table