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1849-O
Variety 101ab
Obverse 1: Medium Level Date
Reverse Ab: Large O, Oblique Punch, Reverse Rotated Left 34 Degrees
Obverse 1 Reverse Ab
Comments: The reverse die is rotated left by 34 degrees. As is the case with Variety 101a and its 52 degrees left rotation, there are no die cracks on the reverse die therefore suggesting that the improper die alignment occurred early during the die pairing.
The existence of an New Orleans 1849 Large O dime with 34 degrees rotation was unknown until May 2014. Variety 101a with 52 degrees left rotation was documented during 2004 as part of the seateddimevarieties.com web-book release. Gene Gress of JJ Teaparty is credited with the discovery of this second reverse rotation.
Given the fact that 52 degree and 34 degree left rotation specimens are known for the Large O die pair, one must assume that the hammer die (reverse) became free of its set screw and moved during an unknown amount of strikes. More research is warranted to locate specimens that would exhibit reverse rotation other than 52 and 34 degrees to confirm a loose hammer die theory.
Plate Coin: Courtesy Dale Miller Collection, PCGS F15