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1870-S
Variety 101
Obverse 1: Medium Level Date, Broken S, Radial Die Lines, Misplaced 8 and 7 Digits
Reverse A: Small Weak S, [mm Lt,H,TR8], Reverse of 1869-S (B)
Obverse 1 Reverse A
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: The obverse exhibits numerous lathe die lines at Liberty's neck, breasts, and lower gown. These die lines form concentric rings with their center point being the center of the obverse die. It appears that the obverse die steel was improperly prepared prior to being hubbed as a working die
Since the late 1990s, individuals have reported that the 1870-S obverse die had two misplaced digits in the denticles. Pricing of this date is a function of low mintage and not special variety, therefore the author did not take the time to research these suggested misplaced digits. During late 2013, A.H. Foerder sent along a high resolution obverse image that clearly illustrated misplaced tops of 8 and 7 digits in the denticles. Below are cropped images of the date position with respect to the denticle and then a macro image of the misplaced 8 and 7 digits.
Reverse A is the left over Small Weak S die from 1869. This die appears to have been polished and reused to strike coinage in 1870. The reverse die, during striking of 1870 coinage is always found to be weak at the denomination. This reverse die will be again used by the San Francisco mint to strike 1871 dated coinage.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PCGS MS65 CAC Green