|
|
|
|
1856
Small Date
Variety 105
Obverse 5.2: Lapped Die, Doubling in Shield, Medium Level Date, Closed 5
Reverse E: Doubling in AM(ERI)CA
Obverse 5.2 Reverse E
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comparison of Obverse 5 Die States
Obverse 5 Lapped Die (F-105) Obverse 5 Early Die State (F-111)
Comments: In a later die state, Obverse 5 is lapped. Die doubling remains evident below the lower edge of the scroll and along the left edge of the shield. The vertical shield lines are now softly struck and doubled right. Additional obverse doubling is found on the gown fold to the immediate right of the scroll end. Date repunching on the 1 and 8 digits (see Variety 111) is completely eliminated due to die lapping.
Traces of reverse doubling are seen on AM(ERI)CA.
As with other 1856 Small Date obverse dies that exhibit die doubling, Obverse 5 die is lapped resulting in two different die states. Kam Ahwash had previously recorded the Obverse 5 lapped die state as Ahwash 5 in his encyclopedia. The Ahwash 5 die state does not show repunching on the 18 digits. The author listed this lapped die state as Variety 105 and the earlier die state as Variety 111 not recognizing that both varieties utilized the same obverse die. This correction to the web-book is effective March 2013 with the sequence of 1856 Small Date obverse dies being renumbered between Obverse 10 through Obverse 21.
Plate Coin: Courtesy Louis A. DiGioia III Collection, PCGS MS62