Comparison of Two Known Small Filled S Reverse Dies

F-112 - Reverse L                                   F-121 - Reverse R

Comments: Variety 121 documents another die pairing for Reverse R, the second known 1875-S Below Wreath reverse die with a Small Filled S mintmark. Research prior to 2012 had only isolated one reverse die with the atypical Small Filled S as compared to the prevalent usage of the Small S mintmark with upper and bottom loops well defined. 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.

During the Variety 121 pairing of Obverse 18 and Reverse R, the reverse die is in an early die state. An obvious die crack in the lower right wreath from 4:00 to 5:30 will appear during later die state. The later die state is labeled as Reverse R.2. The F-119 listing is a die marriage of Reverse R.2 with different obverse die.

Obverse 18 is also a new obverse die to this researcher and is listed accordingly. There is a small die crack or metal lump that extents to the left of the base of the 1 digit. The legend UNITED STATES is weak as is the left scroll area with the letters (LIB)ERTY.

Sean Shaughnessy published the plate coin on the LSCC message board in early May 2012.

1875-S Micro S Reverse Varieties 101, 102, 102a, 103, 104, 104a

1875-S Small S Reverse Varieties 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 118a, 119, 120, 121, 121a

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