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1871

Variety 101

 Obverse 1: Proof Die, Repunched 18, Partial S

Reverse A: Proof Die, Die Crack Across Lower Ribbons And Wreath, Reverse of 1870 (A)

        

Obverse 1                                               Reverse A.2

 

Obverse Diagnostic Point(s)                    Reverse Diagnostic Point(s)

        

        

Comments: Obverse 1, one of the three proof obverse dies, exhibits strong date repunching. Bold repunching is visible above the flag of the 1 digit and above the top loop of the 8 digit. In addition, Obverse 1 can be easily diagnosed by weakness in the strike of Liberty's head including a raise metal arc at the top of the head. I have seen this obverse die characteristic on all examples of Variety 101.

Obverse 1 is paired with Reverse A, which already has a strong die crack along the bottom of the ribbon ends and into the lower portion of the right wreath. This reverse is a left over proof reverse die from 1870. After being paired with two separate 1870 obverse dies, Reverse A is again paired with a second 1871 proof obverse die, generating additional proof and business strikes. It appears that Reverse A was designated by the mint coinage department as a proof reverse die during 1870 and 1871 until its final usage for business strikes in 1871. A question could be raised as to whether the 1870 and 1871 proof dimes were struck in a similar timeframe considering the reuse of the same reverse die.

Variety 101 is also listed by Breen as BR-3354 and by Jeff Strutzel as PF-2 in issue #75 of the Gobrecht Journal.

Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, NGC PF66 Cameo