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1866
Variety 101
Obverse 1: Proof Die, Medium Date, Slight Downward Slope
Reverse A: Proof Die, Slight Doubling of DI(M)E
Obverse 1 Reverse A
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Ahwash states that proofs are only available from this die pair. I have found proofs from Obverse 1 to be more difficult to locate than proofs from Obverse 2. The Obverse 1 date is nearly level with a slight downward slope while proofs from Obverse 2 will have an upward sloping date.
Look carefully at all 1866 Philadelphia dimes offered for sale as the 1866 San Francisco Variety 101 has a reverse die with a very weak mintmark. On some circulated examples, the mintmark may be completely missing. As a result, 1866-S Variety 101 dimes can be misattributed and often sold as a 1866 Philadelphia dime by dealers who have insufficient working knowledge of Seated dimes. See the 1866-S Variety 101 page for date position images that can help differentiate true 1866 Philadephia dimes.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS PF65 Cameo - Gil Clark Collection