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1870
Variety 101
Obverse 1: Proof Die, High Date, Slight Downward Slope, Broken S
Reverse A: Proof Die, Die Crack Through Ribbon Ends
Obverse 1 Reverse A
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Examples of 1870 proofs come well struck. A long die scratch through the lower shield can identify this proof obverse die. The reverse die exhibits a die crack starting at the end of the left ribbon and proceeding through the left ribbon and across to the right ribbon end. This reverse crack becomes more evident on Variety 103, where Reverse A is again used to strike the second proof variety for 1870. Interestingly, Reverse A will again be used in 1871 to strike a portion of the proof coinage for that year. See 1871 proof Varieties 101 and 102.
I must caution readers on attempting to cross reference Varieties 101 and 103 to Kam Ahwash's designation of A-2 and A-2a. In his Encyclopedia, Ahwash illustrates a photograph for A-2a while listing references for both A-2 and A-2a proofs. In this reference work, Variety 101 is matched with A-2 while Variety 103 is matched with A-2a.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS PF65 Cameo