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1857-O
Variety 101a
Obverse 1: Normal Date, High With Slight Downward Slope
Reverse A.2: Polished Die, Large O, [mm C,H,TL4], Shattered Die, Rotated Reverse Right 12 Degrees
Obverse 1 Reverse A.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: This is the "normal" die state of Obverse 1 without strike doubling within the date digits and Stars 12 and 13.. The Variety 101a designation is employed since Reverse A has been polished and exhibits die cracks that are much more widespread and pronounced than the early Variety 101 die state. Reverse die cracks are noted at the foot of AMERIC(A) and extending left into the right wreath stem, the ribbon ends and back up through the lower left wreath. An addition set of die cracks is seen through S(TAT)ES.
Indications that Reverse A was polished include weak letters in the legend especially those within AMERICA. Reverse A could have been polished and cracked immediately after re-entering production due to the lack of specimens that exhibit progressive die cracking. On the plate coin, the reverse die alignment is 12 degrees to the right from normal coin turn.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS AU58 CAC Green