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1864
Variety 101a
Obverse 1.2: Business Strike, High Level Date
Reverse A.2: Business Strike, Die Defects On DI(M)E
Obverse 1.2 Reverse A.2
Comments: Ahwash indicates that proofs and business strikes were struck with the Obverse 1 and Reverse A die pair. Based on Ahwash's comments, the business strike variety is listed though not seeing an example through 2013. All business strike 1864 dimes seen over the years were the Obverse 2 and Reverse B die pair.
The key to diagnosing Obverse 1 is the high level date and DR 1L date position. During February 2014, Rare American Coins received a consignment with an 1864 dime in ANACS white holder designated EF40 Details Cleaned. The ANACS opinion implied the holdered dime was a business strike. An examination of date position revealed the Obverse 1 and Reverse A die pair which then suggested this dime should be an impaired proof. Study of the dime's surfaces under loupe and stereo microscope revealed reverse metal flow lines into the denticles. This dime also had minor lines that one would associated with circulation. The reverse metal flow lines would not be expected on the limited number of proof strikes.
A review of the last twenty 1864 business strikes dimes via Heritage Auction Archives was conducted to reassess prior findings and assumptions before updating this Variety 101a webpage. All business strikes were attributed as Variety 102a and confirmed past observations.
Clearly more research is required to determine if business strikes were struck from the Obverse 1 and Reverse A die pair. The plate coin raises the possibility that Ahwash may have been correct.
Plate Coin: Courtesy of Dale Miller Collection, ANACS EF40 Details