1859-S OC-1
Repunched 18 - Top-30 Variety (EDS with full repunching)

Die Pair 1 - A
Date Grid L QTR / 4-2.5 / Level
Obverse Die States a, b, c
Estimated Rarity R2
1, 9 Vertical H, H
Reverse Die States a, b, c, d



Comments:    This is the only use of Obverse 1 and the only use of Reverse A.


Obverse 1

The photo below shows the Obverse 1 attribution grid.



1859-S Obverse 1 attribution grid

Obverse 1 shows no notable die markers, but the date position is sufficient for positive attribution. Early die states show significant repunching on 18 (pictured below), but Obverse 2 shows very similar repunching, so this isn’t a good marker to use for attribution.



1859-S Obverse 1 repunched 18


Obverse 1 Die States
  1. Perfect die. Repunched 18.
  2. Die polishing has removed all evidence of repunching on the 18.
  3. A faint die crack across the base of the date.
No later die states have been observed.


Reverse A

The photo below shows the mintmark position for Reverse A.



1859-S Reverse A mintmark


The Reverse A mintmark position is virtually identical to that of Reverse B, and until the die cracks in mid-state it shows no notable markers. The obverse date position should be used to attribute the die marriage.

Reverse A Die States


  1. Perfect die.
  2. Numerous very light die cracks partially surround the reverse, most heavy at the base of S O.
  3. The die cracks are much heavier, and almost completely surround the reverse.
  4. The die cracks are more advanced. Three separate cracks connect leaves 1 and 2.
No later die states have been observed. This die marriage is almost always seen with at least minor reverse die cracks. Reverse die state a is rare.



Photo credits:

Obverse 1 and Reverse A:   1859-S NGC AU50, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Obverse 1 early die state:   1859-S NGC AU53, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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