1888

Variety 118

 Obverse 18: Medium Date, Slight Downward Slope, Doubled Right Shield Edge

Reverse P: Cracked Reverse

        

Obverse 18                                                Reverse P

 

Obverse Diagnostic Point(s)

        

Comments: The lower right edge of the shield is slightly doubled or what appears to be doubling. The 1 digit and final two 8 digits in the date are weaker than the first 8 digit. A die crack runs from the rim to the left of the 1 digit, through the base of the 1 digit, then connecting the lower loops of the three 8 digits.

Reverse P is cracked on the left side with the die cracks exiting to the rim at several locations. See the illustration above.

 

February 2014 Update

        

Jim Poston of Louisburg, Kansas sent in the above 1888 dime noting the partial date digits. His first thought was a filled die event due to the weak 1 digit and the final 8 digit. After careful study, all obverse and reverse die characteristics well matched the Variety 118 plate coin. The variability across the individual date digits on Jim's dime is consistent with the original plate coin. Note the well punched first 8 digit as the key diagnostic along with the Denticle Ruler measurement if DR 0C.

Is the Variety 118 date punch variability a result of a filled die? It is difficult to develop an alternate theory for a four digit logotype punch resulting in the above variance in date digit strength.

Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, MS63

1888 Varieties 101, 101a, 102, 102a, 102b, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121

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