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1875-S
Small S - Variety 119
Obverse 16: High Date, Slight Downward Slope
Reverse R.2: Small Filled S, Die Crack 4:00-5:30, [mm Lt,C]
Obverse 16 Reverse R.2
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comparison of Two Known Small Filled S Reverse Dies
F-112 - Reverse L F-119 - Reverse R
Comments: Obverse 16 is worn and features die cracks from left base up through (UNI)TED and from Liberty's foot up through AME(RICA). On the plate coin, there is also a weak die crack through bottom of date digits.
A Small Filled S can help diagnose Reverse R as few 1875-S Below Wreath varieties are found with the Small Filled S mintmark. Reverse R can be diagnosed by the Small Filled S mintmark that is nearly centered in the vertical direction when compared to the bottom of the right ribbon end. The Small Filled S mintmark on Reverse L was punched higher and closer to the ribbon bow knot than on Reverse R. Cereal wreath elements are quite weak and an obvious die crack is seen from 4:00 to 5:30. Interestingly, this high grade reverse shows clear recutting of the top bar in D(I)ME and the left upright of DI(M)E. Tim Cook pointed out this die preparation artifact. Further checking of other 1875-S Below Wreath dimes indicates this recutting may not be limited to Variety 119.
Effective June 2012, I have relabeled Reverse R as R.2 to signify a later die state due to discovery of an earlier die state example without the die crack from 4:00 to 5:30. The early die state is listed as Variety 121.
Plate Coin: Courtesy of Dr. Tim Cook Collection, NGC MS65