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1875-CC
CC In Wreath
Variety 112b
Obverse 3: Die Defect On Mid Section, High Date, Downward Slope
Reverse H.2: Small Wide CC, [mm Rt,L], Die Defect At Left Ribbon End, Die Cracks In Right Wreath
Collar: 113 Reeds
Obverse 3 Reverse H.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: I have seen a number of Wide CC reverse examples with a defective die in the region of the left ribbon end. The reverse die anomaly eliminates the striking of the left ribbon end and nearby portions of the wreath. I have not developed any theories as to the cause of this anomaly, but would welcome comments. Reverse H is in an interim die state with several die cracks that exit to the rim. The first is from the top of the left wheat grains to the rim above the top of the right wheat grains and corn ear. Another die crack is present on the right corn ear, down through the maple leaf and exits to the rim at 4:30.
Until early 2012, the author only had evidence that Reverse H examples were struck from a reverse die with a left ribbon end anomaly and with 113 reed standard collar employed at the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints.. In late February 2012, Chris Majtyka identified an Variety 112 specimen with 113 reeds and no reverse die anomaly. This finding provides evidence that the transition from the old style 89 reed collar to the standard 113 reed collar was not related to the reverse die anomaly during the striking of coinage from the Obverse 9 and Reverse H die pair.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, VF35