Comparsion of Obverse 5 and Obverse 15 Date Positions

Comments: During 2006, Brian Greer offered me an example of the spectacular 1872 doubled die reverse error. The doubled die reverse was caused by a double hubbing with the second hubbing being rotated approximately 175 degrees from the initial hubbing. After checking Brian's dime with the existing NGC MS61 example in my collection, I noted that the obverse die seemed different though the dime had a trademark flat head that is seen on nearly all 1872 double die reverse specimens. There were no clash marks on the obverse and the die defect between the left base and rim was not evident. Die lines were obvious across Liberty's midsection. Further study revealed that the date punch was slightly more left than Variety 105. On Variety 105, the DR measurement is 0B1 while the Greer coin measured 0R. On both Obverse 5 and this coin, the date is found to be level with the base and positioned similarly between the base and denticles. So was this a new obverse die paired with the doubled die reverse or not? The key diagnostic is the position of the 8 digit with respect to the denticles immediately below. On Obverse 5, the 8 digit is centered between two denticles. On the Greer coin, the 8 digit is shifted more left consistent with the DR 0R measurement. I have chosen to label the new obverse as Obverse 15 paired with Reverse E. On the Greer coin, Reverse E exhibits no die clashing and is in an earlier die state than Variety 105.

1872 Varieties 101, 102, 103, 103a, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 109a, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117

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