1870

Variety 103

 Obverse 3: Proof Die, High Date, Slight Downward Slope, Broken S

Reverse A.2: Proof Die, Die Crack Through Ribbon Ends

        

Obverse 3                                                 Reverse A.2

 

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

        

Comments: Obverse 3 is the second proof obverse die to be paired with Reverse A. The die crack across the bottoms of the left and right ribbon ends is more pronounced during striking of Variety 103. 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 have yet to find a business strike example of Variety 103, therefore it is not listed.

I must caution the reader 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, PF62

1870 Varieties 101, 101a, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107

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