|
|
|
|
1856-S
Variety 101a
Obverse 1.2: Late Die State, Numerous Die Cracks
Reverse A.2: Late Die State, Die Cracks (STATES OF AMERIC)A
Obverse 1.2 Reverse A.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: In the latest die state seen, the obverse develops a circular ring of die cracks as shown above. The reverse die cracks connect nearly all of the tops of the letters in STATES OF AMERICA. The 1856 dimes from San Francisco typically come well struck. With a meager mintage of 70,000, the dies appear to have developed quickly as I have seen two Mint State examples in this later die state. One must begin to question the amount of press striking pressure that was employed for 1856-S coinage and its potential to accelerate the degradation of the lone die pair.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS MS62