Comments:
   This is the only use of Obverse 4 and the third and final use of Reverse 1864 A in 1865.
Reverse 1864 A was first used in 1864 to strike die marriage OC-1.
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Obverse 4
The following photo shows the Obverse 4 attribution grid. We refer to this as the “bar 6” variety. The arrow points
to the bar which extends from the upper right side of the loop of the 6 across the ball and slightly into the field.
It appears to be a slip of the engraver’s tool rather than an under-digit. We’ve included this interesting variety
in our Top-30 varieties list.
1865 Obverse 4 attribution grid with Bar 6
Obverse 4 Die States
- Perfect die.
No later die states have been observed.
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Reverse 1864 A
Reverse 1864 A displays faint extensions of the first 3 vertical shield lines, shown in the following photo, that allow definitive attribution
for mid- to high-grade examples.
Reverse 1864 A shield line extensions
All 1865 uses of Reverse 1864 A display a die crack across the top of many of the letters.
The crack joining ER is notably irregular and can be used as an additional marker.
This is shown in the photo below.
Reverse 1864 A die crack joining ERI
Reverse 1864 A Die States
- Perfect die.
- A very faint die crack across the top of ERI.
- Very faint die clashing visible in the second shield recess.
- Faint die cracks surround the reverse.
No later die states have been observed. OC-4 is found only with state d.
OC-4 is usually found with a weak strike on the eagle's left leg.
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