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1875-S
Small S - Variety 123
Obverse 20: High Date, Slight Downward Slope, Rim Cud at 4:00, Cracked and Clashed Die
Reverse U: Small S, Heavily Clashed Die, [mm C,C]
Obverse 20 Reverse U
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Obverse 20 offers many diagnostics. The date punch is positioned high with slight downward slope. A die crack starts at the 1 digit in the date and connects to the left base and continues to (U)NITED. Another die crack starts at STATE(S) and proceeds through Liberty's head, then above the cap and finally stop at (O)F. A large rim cud is evident between 4:00 and 5:00. Obverse die is heavily clashed during this die state.
Reverse U is heavily clashed with clash marks behind the denomination. A faint die crack is seen in the upper left wreath. The Small S mintmark is position right in the horizontal direction and centered in the vertical direction.
Variety 123 was first identified by Dr. Tim Cook in terms of date and mintmark placement. During July 2018, Jim Poston consigned a late die state example with huge obverse rim cud that is the above plate coin. The Cook specimen graded MS64 but was too dark for suitable imaging and usage as a plate coin. However, the Poston late die state example was ideal for photography. Dr, Tim Cook has purchased the Poston coin. Therefore both the early and late die states are listed as Variety 123 for the time being.
Plate Coin: Courtesy of Dr. Tim Cook Collection, NGC MS62