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1888-S
Variety 111
Obverse 8: High Date, Downward Slope
Reverse H: Medium S, [mm Rt,H,TL5]
Obverse 8 Reverse H
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s) Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Obverse 8 features a date punch that is nearly level and presents the only usable diagnostic.
Reverse H has a Medium S mintmark with a sharp left tilt. The mintmark position is very similar to Reverse C, the double reverse die, and difficulties in separating the two reverse dies based on mintmark position will prove to be difficult. Collectors should use the obverse die date positions and the lack of reverse doubling to isolate Variety 111 from Variety 103. Jim Smith is credited with first making me aware of this die pair on a VF20 grade coin. Immediately after seeing Jim's dime, I located this AU example on eBay.
To clarify the differences between mintmark positions on Varieties 103 and 111, following are comparison images.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, AU50