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1843
Variety 103
Obverse 3: Date Far Left, Proof Die
Reverse C: Proof Die
Obverse 3 Reverse C
Comments: Since I have not had the opportunity to inspect an 1843 proof dime first hand for extracting diagnostics, therefore that leaves date position as extracted from high quality auction archive images as the primary diagnostic information.
As originally published during 2004, the web-book listed the 1843 Proofs as having been struck with same dies subsequently employed for business strikes. After purchasing a Mint State Variety 104 plate coin and careful study of Heritage Auction Galleries' high grade plate coins images for 1843 proofs, this assumption DOES NOT appears to be justified. A close inspection of the below three images shows the two proofs to have same date punch placement and digit sizes with respect to the pendant. The pendant on the proof strikes is smaller than that of the business strike. This finding along with the Variety 104 business strike star chips and repunching on 8 digit suggests that the proof die was not reused for business strikes. As a result, the dies employed to strike 1843 proofs are now separately listed.
Comparison of 1843 Business and Proof Strike Date Positions
Plate Coin: Courtesy of Richmond Collection/www.davelawrence.com, NGC PF64