|
|
|
|
1871
Variety 103
Obverse 3: Proof Die, Doubled (OF A)MERICA, High Level Date, Broken S
Reverse B: Proof Die, Perfect Die
Obverse 3 Reverse B
Obverse Diagnostic Point(s)
Comments: Obverse 3 was used to strike a very limited quantity of proofs and business strikes. The strong wire rims and mirror fields are contrasted by a weak OF AMERICA and date punch. The letters (OF A) MERICA are obviously doubled.
A June 2006 study of the Heritage Auction Archives revealed that F-103 is the rarest of the three 1871 proof varieties. Of the twenty-three Heritage 1871 proof dimes offered at auction since 2000, only three (13%) were the F-103 variety.
Plate Coin: G. Fortin Collection, PF62