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1875-S
Small S - Variety 112
Obverse 12: High Date, Slight Downward Slope
Reverse L.2: Die Cracks In Lower Wreath, Small Filled S, [mm Lt,H]
Obverse 12 Reverse L.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Reverse L is the first example seen of the Small Filled S mintmark for the 1875-S Below Wreath date. I consider this Small Filled S to be the Tall Narrow S mintmark referred to by Breen and Greer. After measuring the height and width of both the Small Filled S and Small Block S mintmarks, I must agree with Greer that both mintmarks originated from the same mintmark punch, though the Small Filled S appears to be taller and bolder than the Small Block S mintmark. Please see the comparative illustration above.
Breen lists a below wreath Tall Narrow S mintmark as B-3381 and considered the variety to be rare. He continues to list a Tall Narrow S mintmark for the 1876-S Type I reverse (B-3393) and the Type II reverse (B-3394). Also for 1877-S, Breen lists B-3404 as a Type II reverse with a Tall Narrow S mintmark. In subsequent listings of San Francisco 1876 and 1877 reverse dies, Breen's Tall Narrow S mintmark will always be listed and described as a Small Filled S mintmark by the author.
On the plate coin, Obverse 12 has a unique date position of DR 0R. Reverse L has die cracks throughout the lower wreath and is later die state. Reverse L was previously paired with Obverse 14 during early die state. Please see Variety 117 listing and note the additional die defect diagnostic point on the corn ear to the right of the bottom foot of DIM(E).
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, MS61