1846 OC-P1

1846 OC-P1 Original Proof Boldly Repunched Date - Top 30 Variety

Die Pair	P1 – 1840 PA
Date Grid	LE / 4-2.0 / VS down
Obverse Die States	a

Estimated Rarity	R6-
1, 6 Vertical	H, SH
Reverse Die States	a

Comments: This is the only use of Obverse P1 and the first of two uses of Reverse 1840 PA in 1846 (the second use is unconfirmed). 1840 Reverse PA was used for almost all original proofs from 1840 through 1854.

Obverse P1
The photo below shows the Obverse P1 attribution grid.

1846 Obverse P1 attribution grid

The full date is repunched, with the original punch almost half the date height too low. The original date was then effaced and repunched in the proper position. The following photo shows the repunching.

1846 Obverse P1 repunched date
We've included OC-P1 and its unique boldly repunched date as one of our Top 30 varieties.

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Reverse 1840 PA
The reverse die used for the 1846 proof issue is the same die used for almost all proof issues through 1854. This die exhibits unique features on A3. The following photo shows these die markers, possibly created from die rust or just die crumbling due to imperfect die metal. These allow easy identification of the proof die, even on mishandled or lightly circulated examples.

Reverse 1840 PA defects in A3

Reverse 1840 PA Die States

Perfect die.

No later die states have been observed.

Photo credits:

Obverse P1 and Reverse 1840 PA: 1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.