1862-S

Variety 102

 Obverse 1.2: Low Date, Upward Slope, Closed 6

Reverse B: Small Thin S, [mm Lt,C], Reverse of 1861 (A)

        

Obverse 1.2                                                Reverse B

 

Obverse Diagnostic Point(s)                    Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)

        

         

Comments: Obverse 1 degrades and warrants an incremental die state designation when paired with a second reverse die. The obverse can still be identified by several die defects. There are die blob type defects in several locations on Liberty's lower gown. There is a defect between the right edge of the shield and the adjacent vertical fold line. Another blob type defect can be found under the gown fold line that is immediately left of the pendant. There is a diagonal die scratch through the gown folds directly above the pendant.

During this later die state, Obverse 1 is paired with Reverse A of 1861. This determination was made from the die defect on the left edge of the corn ear. 1862 Reverse B (1861 Reverse A) is found in a later die state with significant erosion of the denticles to the point of elimination. 1861 Reverse A will again be placed into production during 1865 to strike additional San Francisco dimes.

1862-S Reverse A                                1862-S Reverse B

        

Note that the mintmark placement for Reverse A and Reverse B is nearly identical. The Small Thin S mintmark on Reverse B appears to be slightly larger than Revers A. Once again, the important diagnostics for 1862-S Reverse B are the die defect on the left edge of the corn ear and the erosion of denticles below the mintmark.

Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS EF40

1862-S Varieties 101, 102, 102a

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