1869 OC-3
Misplaced 1 - Top-30 Variety

Die Pair 3 - A
Date Grid JR of LE / 4-4.5 / Level
Obverse Die States a, b
Estimated Rarity R3+
1, 9 Vertical SL, L
Reverse Die States d, e



Comments:    This is the only use of Obverse 3 and the third and final use of Reverse A.


Obverse 3

The following photo shows the Obverse 3 attribution grid.



1869 Obverse 3 attribution grid


Obverse 3 can also be easily identified by the flag of a misplaced 1 visible in the field between 18. The serif of the misplaced 1 is clearly visible on the photo. We’ve included this interesting misplaced digit variety as one of our Top-30.


Obverse 3 Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. A very faint die crack extends up to the left from the base of the 1.
No later die states have been observed.


Reverse A

Reverse A displays very notable die doubling, most visible on the motto. This is similar to the doubling on several other reverses, most notably the proof-only reverse, PA. Unfortunately there are no other easily visible die markers. The unfinished area between the lower and middle leaves is much larger on Reverse A.



1869 Reverse A die doubling


Reverse A Die States
  1. Perfect die.
  2. A fine die crack connects the upper part of the TE in UNITED.
  3. The die cracks have progressed. A crack crosses the top of MERIC. Another connects the top of ST, running down through the middle of A1 and back to the top of T3..
  4. Additional die cracks - at the base of ONE DOL, at the top of UNITED.
  5. The die cracks are heavier and now completely surround the reverse.
OC-3 is found with reverse die states d and e.



Photo credits:

Obverse 3:   1869 NGC MS details, cleaned, from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.
Reverse A:   1869 PCGS PR61 (mis-attributed as a proof by PCGS), from the Osburn-Cushing reference collection.


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