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1877-CC
Type I Reverse - Variety 110
Obverse 3: Medium Level Date, Die Erosion at Denticles
Reverse H: Lightning Bolt Cracked Die, Doubled ONE DIME, Small CC, [mm Lt,C,TR3]
Obverse 7 Reverse I
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: During the 2013 American Numismatic Convention, Scott Grieb visited the Gerry Fortin Rare Coins and offered several important Seated dimes for the web-book variety analysis. Of keen interest was this 1877 Carson City dime with a Type I reverse. The reverse die has die crack patterns never seen before on a Liberty Seated dime. I have named Reverse I as the Lightning Bolt die crack reverse due to the multiple die cracks from the left wreath, through (O)NE and above ONE. A traditional die crack is also quite visible in the ribbon bow and through the lower right wreath. Finally, the reverse denomination is sharply doubled on ON(E) and DIM(E) along with irregular positioning of the individual letters.
Obverse 7 is a bit more uneventful with only a few diagnostics. There is a short die scratch through Liberty's throat and most denticles show considerable erosion.
The discovery coin (PCGS MS62 OGH) sports original colorful toning over nice luster. One would expect a CAC gold bean if this dime were to be validated.
During the October 2017 PAN Show, Gerry Fortin purchased a PCGS MS65 example that is the finest known to me. This example is show as the upper top plate coin. It was purchased from a quality lot of Liberty Seated dimes on display by well known dealer, Tom Reynolds. This example is very well struck and allows more insight into the faint lightning bolt die cracks along with amazing clarity of the doubled die denomination.
Plate Coin: Courtesy of Grey Soldier Collection, PCGS MS65 (upper top); Courtesy Scott Grieb Collection, PCGS MS62 OGH (lower top)