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Comments: Current literature tells us that there are no original 1853 proofs. We've left this spot in our die marriage listings because we believe that one will be identified at some point in the future. If discovered it will almost certainly feature Reverse 1840 PA. |
 TBD1853 Original proof obverse - Currently unknown If an original 1853 proof exists it would likely use the 1853 Obverse P1 die. A more remote possibility is Obverse 1, the business strike obverse. A third possibility is a currently unknown obverse. |
The reverse die used for the 1853 original proof issue would likely be the same die used for almost all proof strikes from 1840 through 1854. This die exhibits unique features on A3. The photo below shows these die markers, possibly caused by die rust or 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
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| Photo credits:
Obverse P1: Reverse 1840 PA: 1846 PCGS PR58, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection. |