1856 OC-P1
Original Proof

Die Pair P1 - PA
Date Grid JL of RE / 4-3.0 / VS Down
Obverse Die States a
Estimated Rarity R5
1, 6 Vertical C, VSL
Reverse Die States a



Comments:
   This is the only use of Obverse P1 and the only use of Reverse PA in 1856.
Reverse PA was used again to strike original proofs in 1857 and 1858.
It was also used to strike 1851 and 1852 proof restrikes.


Obverse P1

Note that this date position is very similar to obverse 1. The major differences are the vertical position of the 1, which is barely higher in the field, and the lack or repunching on the 6.



1856 Obverse P1 attribution grid


Obverse P1 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.

Reverse PA

Reverse PA was used for all 1856 proofs. It was used again in 1857 and 1858. This die exhibits only a few minor markers – lumps on S1 and L. Since most proofs seen are relatively high grade they are visible on most examples. The photos below show these features.



Reverse PA lump on S1




Reverse PA lumps on L

The lumps on the L are usually the most visible marker.


Reverse PA Die States
  1. Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.



Photo credits:

Obverse P1 and Reverse PA:   1856 PCGS PR62, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


Copyright © 2015-2021, by Dick Osburn and Brian Cushing, All rights reserved.