1859-O OC-2

Die Pair 1 - B
Date Grid L QTR / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States d
Estimated Rarity R1
1, 9 Vertical SH, SH
Reverse Die States a, b



Comments:    This is the third and final use of Obverse 1 and the first of two uses of Reverse B in 1859.
Reverse B is transitional, used for two additional 1860-O die marriages.


Obverse 1

The photo below shows the Obverse 1 attribution grid. Obverse 1 exhibits no notable markers, but with only two obverse dies known the date position is sufficient for attribution.



1859-O Obverse 1 attribution grid

Obverse 1 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Very lightly clashed in Miss Liberty's lap. The clash marks are sharp (see photo below).
  3. Additional clashing in Miss Liberty's lap. At least two clash marks are visible. The clash marks are sharp.
  4. Die polished. The clashing is less evident, but still very notable. The clash marks aren't as well-defined as in the earlier states (see photo below).



1859-O Obverse 1 die state b clash marks




1859-O Obverse 1 die state d clash marks

No later states have been observed. I've seen only a single photo of obverse die state c. Unfortunately the resolution wasn't good enough to use it for this book. I believe that the die clashed a second time and was quickly removed from service and polished. An example with this die state would be extremely rare.


Reverse B

The photo below shows the mintmark position for Reverse B.



1859-O Reverse B mintmark

Reverse B exhibits several irregularities in the upper left shield recesses, shown below. The most notable and easiest to see is the strong dot at the top of Recess #1. This dot becomes less notable as the die state progresses, but is always visible.



1859-O Reverse B die markers

Reverse B Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. Light die clash marks are visible in the shield recesses.
  3. A light radial die crack passes through the right side of T2. Light die cracks surround much of the reverse at the base of the letters.
  4. Die polished. The markers are less evident.
The die cracks are shown in the following photo. The die cracked during its usage in 1860, so these cracks aren't seen on coins dated 1859-O. OC-2 is found only with reverse die states a and b.



1859-O Reverse B state c diecracks





Photo credits:

Obverse 1:   1859-O NGC MS65, tied for finest known, ex. Gene Gardner, from the Heritage archives.
Reverse B:   1859-O NGC MS60 CAC Gold, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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