4. Vertical date position. This helps to identify V-1 (high) and V-9u, V-9ua, V-9ub (low).

Transcription

1 1843 half dime attribution guide (for EF and higher grade coins) by Clint Cummins draft This guide was constructed by exhaustively checking images of 1843 half dimes from Heritage Auctions 2009 to 2016 (ha.com), Stacks-Bowers Auctions, PCGS Registry Sets / TrueView / CoinFacts, David Lawrence Rare Coins and a few other sources. Most coins were unattributed. However, all the quality photos help to make this attribution guide possible. A short procedure was developed for accurately classifying them, and photos of key markers for each die pair and significant die states were collected. The procedure identifies the most common varieties first, so the number of steps should be minimal. After presenting the procedure, we describe each die pair in detail, including rosters of the highest grade attributed examples. Attribution Procedure 1. Horizontal date position. Use the position of the 4 relative to the skirt pendant or bulla (vertical black line on each photo). Drawing a line on your own photo usually requires that the photo be straightened by making the centers of stars 2 and 12 level. However, the line from the pendant is parallel to the 4 and intersects the right edge of a dentil, so a line connecting those 2 points is an alternative to straightening. 2. Reverse and obverse cracks. Heavy reverse crack networks identify V-2 (aka V-4), V-7u and V-7ua. [Note: lowercase letters like V-7u indicate new / Unofficial V- numbers]. See the crack photos on pages 3-4, and the individual V- pages for more photos. A heavy obverse crack from K7:30 through E in the shield to the knee identifies V-5. It continues to the right rim on V-5A. A tiny reverse die crack from A2 to the left dentil identifies V-8u (contrast with V-2 where the crack goes from A2 to the right dentil). Note: V-4 does not get a separate listing here it is listed under V-2, V-2a or V-2b. 3. Reverse clash at ATESO. This is heavy on the frequently observed V-9ua and V-9ub, and also exists as a light clash on V-2b and V-8u (photos p.5). The clash is from the high point of the obverse die between the base and the date digits, so outlines of the tops of the date digits can often be seen (in reverse order). 4. Vertical date position. This helps to identify V-1 (high) and V-9u, V-9ua, V-9ub (low). 5. Repunched date digits. A repunched 1 just south identifies V-9u and V-9ua, and file marks left of stars 5 and 6 often show as well. More dramatically repunched 1843 south identifies V-6. Triple punched 1843 south identifies V-10u, which is apparently proof only. See the Date Position photos on page Lack of the hub flaw (line or v) between stars 10 and 11 helps identify V-1. It is also missing on V-5 and V-5A, which links all three of these varieties to Obverse 1; all are likely different die states of the same die pair. 7. Shape of base of 1 in date. A broken right base helps identify V-3. Other obverses have distinct shapes for the base of 1, too. 8. The Die Pair Table on page 7 helps summarize the key identifying obverse and reverse features of the 8 known die marriages, plus several distinct and collectible die states. However, it is not a good starting point unless you can already identify some of the above features. 1

2 Obverse Date Positions photo array (zoom in high resolution) 2

3 Common Reverse and Obverse cracks - photos V-2, 2a, 2b Reverse B cracks: 1. right dentil to A2 to LF of HALF 2. A of HALF to M of DIME 3. A of HALF to upper left leaves 4. Wreath to T3 to rim visible in late die states (LDS) only 5. M to left bow (LDS only) 6. Left ribbon to K6 (LDS only) 7. Within right side of M (LDS only) Note: most people have been calling this V- 4, but V-2 and V-4 are the same die pair. See the V-2, V-2a and V-2b pages for more info. V-7u Reverse D.1 (EDS) cracks: 1. K12 between ES to L of HALF and M 2. crack continues (lighter on EDS) to lower wreath and rim L of A3 V-7ua Reverse D.2 (LDS) cracks: 3. K9 to T1 to DIM 4. LF to M to K2:30 5. K10:30 to S1 to HAL (usually lighter) Note: Reverse D (V-7u and V-7ua) is the scarcer of the two shattered reverse dies for

4 V-5 Obverse 1.2 (LDS) crack: 1. K7:30 to E in shield to both knees. V-5A Obverse 1.3 (VLDS) crack: 2. Crack continues to S12 and K3. V-5A Reverse A.2 crack through R: V-2, 2a, 2b Rev B vs. V-8u Rev E.2 - different crack at A2 1. V-2: Right dentil, left top A2, between feet of A2, leaves 2. V-8u: Left dentil, left top A2, left foot of A2, leaves 4

5 V-8u 4 small reverse cracks (second one is a vertical die line which appears on the proof V-1A) 5

6 V-2b, V-8u, V-9ub - different reverse clash at ATESO 1. V-2b: Light clash, from first T of STATES to F 2. V-8u: Light clash, from first T to F, angled uphill, suggests slightly rotated dies 3. V-9ub: Heavy clash, from A to F; hits O a little lower than on V-2b 6

7 Die Pair Table (zoom in) The following pages have further details on each of the 8 known die marriages. The counts for examples, appearances, and the roster of highest grade examples are based on images downloaded from websites in late 2016 and early 2017 which were of sufficiently high grade and high resolution (500 x 500 when cropped to the coin) for me to attribute them. Rarity & Attraction Summary V-1 R-4 V-6 R-4 RP 1843 S V-1A R-8 Line above T2 proof only? V-7u R-5 Shattered reverse E2 L M V-2 R-5 Shattered reverse T3 A M V-7ua R-5 Shattered reverse E2 L M & horiz. V-2a R-3 Shattered reverse T3 A M V-8u R-6 4 small reverse cracks V-2b R-5 Shattered reverse T3 A M V-9u R-5 RP 1 S, file marks V-3 R-6 Rim cud & uncracked rev. V-9ua R-4 Heavy reverse clash V-5 R-6 Crack shield to knees V-9ub R-5 Heavy reverse clash V-5A R-4 Crack shield to right rim V-10u R-7 Triple date proof only 7

8 V-1 Obverse 1.1 date high Reverse A.1 no cracks Obv. 1.1: - Date high distance from 1 to dentils is almost twice the distance from 1 to base - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 - No flaw between stars 10 and 11 Rev. A.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. C.1) References: - Valentine describes defects at stars 5-12, but these are present on most dies. - Valentine plate shows date left position, but I did not find any examples of this with a high date. - R-4, 9 examples, 10 appearances 1 MS Heritage $1495 NGC MS Stack s Bowers $1093 NGC CAC plate above Bowers & Merena $650 NGC 3 MS Stack s Bowers $460 PCGS 4 AU Heritage $184 PCGS CAC 5 AU Heritage $189 NGC EF Heritage $86 PCGS

9 V-1A proof Obverse 2.1 no rim cud S9 Reverse F crack above T2 Obv. 2.1: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils (not verified in photos) - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4 (verified in two plate photos) - No rim cud above star 9 (not verified in photos) Rev. E.1: (next use is E.2, V-8u) - Crack or die spur above T2 (first T of STATES) (not verified in V-1A photos, see p. 5) References: - Valentine, Obv. Die of No. 1. Apparently incorrect, since date position matches V-2 instead. - Valentine, Rev. Die of No. 1, but a slight die crack at first T of STATES. - Breen s Proof Encyclopedia, High date, nearly touching base; spur above first T in STATES. - Breen s Proof Encyclopedia lists the Valentine plate coin as a V-1A Proof. Valentine does not describe V-1A as Proof. - Stack s 1973 Reed Hawn sale plate is not very high resolution, but I was able to verify that the horizontal date position matches Obverse Lester Merkin 1966 sale, the obverse blue and purple, the reverse lighter, mostly aquamarine. - Possibly proof only. I did not locate any auction examples proof or business strike. - R-8, 0 appearances in PR-63? Stack s $435 Reed Hawn sale, lot 597. Beautiful iridescent toning Stack s $300 Lot 621. Deeply toned proof. Beautiful iridescence Lester Merkin $330 Lot 76. Deep and beautifully toned Proof. 1? Bullowa Bullowa handled some half dimes from a friend of Valentine s 1? 1931 Valentine Listed as proof in Breen s Proof Encyclopedia. Plate above. 9

10 V-2 Obverse 2.1 no rim cud S9 Reverse B.1 cracks T3 AM Obv. 2.1: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4 - No rim cud above star 9 (slab may cover this area; look for thinner rim cud above cap) Rev. B.1: - Many heavy cracks, T3 to A M, left bow, left ribbon; LF to A2, right dentil, photos p.3, p.4 References: Neil-3, V-2, V-4 (all are listed here as V-2, V-2a and V-2b) - Valentine, Die crack starting at F of HALF, and runs through A of AMERICA, and another crack runs across field through A and M of value. Apparently an early die state; not given a separate letter here. - Valentine s V-2 obverse plate shows a rim cud above star 9. This is a LDS, listed here as V-2a. - Crain, The 1843 Shattered Reverse Half Dimes, Gobrecht Journal #122 (2015), describes the die state progression, starting with the crack between A of HALF and M of DIME, then A2 to right dentil. - R-5, 6 examples, 8 appearances (rarity for this die state; overall die marriage rarity is R-3) 1 MS Heritage $441 PCGS Stack s Bowers $229 PCGS plate above 2 AU Heritage $135 PCGS AU Heritage $127 NGC AU PCGS TrueView PCGS AU Ebay NGC EF PCGS CoinFacts PCGS

11 V-2a Obverse 2.2 S9 rim cud Reverse B.1 cracks T3 AM Obv. 2.2: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4 - Thick rim cud above star 9, thinner rim cud above cap (slab may obscure this area) Rev. B.1: - Many heavy cracks, T3 to A M, left bow, left ribbon; LF to A2, right dentil, photos p.3, p.4 References: Neil-3, V-2, V-4 (lowercase letter in V-2a indicates an Unofficial V- number) - Valentine did not describe the rim cud, but it appears in his V-2 plate. - Crain, Gobrecht Journal #122, describes this first state of the rim cud. - R-3, 21 examples, 23 appearances (rarity for this die state; overall die marriage rarity is R-3) 1 MS Stack s Bowers $3525 NGC Heritage $3819 NGC Gardner listed: V-4 2 MS Heritage $1840 PCGS MS Heritage $748 NGC MS Heritage $1265 PCGS MS Heritage $470 NGC MS Heritage $374 NGC MS Heritage $676 PCGS CAC plate above 8 MS Heritage $306 PCGS Gardner listed: V-4 9 MS Heritage $291 NGC

12 V-2b Obverse 2.2 S9 rim cud Reverse B.2 cracks, clash Obv. 2.2: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4 - Thick rim cud above star 9, thinner rim cud above cap (slab may obscure this area) Note: on Obverse 2.3 (V-3), the rim cud becomes thick above the cap. Rev. B.2: - Many heavy cracks, T3 to A M, left bow, left ribbon; LF to A2, right dentil, photos p.3, p.4 - Light clash through / under TATESOF, photo p.5 References: Neil-3, V-2, V-4 - Valentine did not describe the obverse rim cud or the reverse clash. - The clash is noted mostly to differentiate it from V-9ua/b, which has a heavy clash in this area. - R-5, 4 examples, 4 appearances (rarity for this die state; overall die marriage rarity is R-3) 1 MS Heritage $969 NGC MS Stack s Bowers $235 PCGS plate above 3 MS Heritage $212 NGC AU PCGS CoinFacts PCGS

13 V-3 Obverse 2.3 cap S9 rim cud Reverse C.1 no cracks Obv. 2.3: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4 - Thick rim cud above star 9, now thick rim cud above cap (slab may obscure this area). - Right foot of 1 is chipped on the bottom. Its shape otherwise matches the 1 on Obverses 2.1 and 2.2, where the base of the 1 has a horizontal groove on both sides that resembles repunching. Photo p.2. Rev. C.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. A.1) - Rotated die: 5 CCW (on at least the plate coin) References: - Valentine did not describe the obverse extended rim cud or die rotation. - Valentine s description of V-3 was vague, so we have essentially repurposed the V-3 number to describe this compatible die variety with a hopefully more precise description. - R-6, 3 examples, 6 appearances 1 MS Heritage $1469 PCGS CAC plate above David Lawrence $1955 PCGS CAC Bently 2 MS Heritage $558 PCGS CAC Heritage $604 PCGS MS Heritage $153 NGC Heritage $176 NGC

14 V-5 Obverse 1.2 crack shield knees Reverse A.1 no cracks Obv. 1.2: - Date high distance from 1 to dentils is almost twice the distance from 1 to base - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 - No flaw between stars 10 and 11 - Crack K7:30 through E in shield to both knees. Photo p.4. If crack extends to right rim, it is V-5A. - Left foot of 1 is rounded underneath matches V-1. Photo p.2. Rev. A.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. C.1) References: - Valentine did not mention that V-5 matches V-1 with the added obverse crack. V-5 is a very noticable late die state of V-1. It would more appropriately numbered something like V-1A, but V-5 has been in use for decades. - R-6, 3 examples, 3 appearances. (V-5A is more plentiful, with 9 examples). 1 MS PCGS Registry PCGS Simpson plate above 2 MS Heritage $558 NGC MS Stack s Bowers $206 NGC

15 V-5A Obverse 1.3 crack shield R rim Reverse A.2 crack in R Obv. 1.3: - Date high distance from 1 to dentils is almost twice the distance from 1 to base - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 - No flaw between stars 10 and 11 - Crack K7:30 through E in shield to both knees to S12 and right rim. Photo p.4. If crack only goes to knees, it is V-5. - Left foot of 1 is rounded underneath matches V-1. Photo p.2. Rev. A.2: - Light crack through middle of R, photos p.4. References: Neil-2 - Valentine did not mention that V-5A matches V-1 with the extended obverse crack. - R-4, 9 examples, 9 appearances. (V-5 is less plentiful, with 3 examples). 1 MS Heritage $1265 PCGS CAC 2 MS PCGS TrueView PCGS plate above 3 MS Heritage $470 NGC MS Heritage $229 NGC MS Heritage $176 NGC MS det Heritage $153 NGC Hilt 7 AU David Lawrence $180 PCGS AU Heritage $175 NGC AU ebay PCGS

16 V-6 Obverse 4 RP 1843 South Reverse A.1 no cracks Obv. 4: - Date low distance from 1 to base is more than twice distance from 1 to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4, photo p.2 - RPD 1843 South 1 is dramatically low. 3 is very close to the dentils. Photo p.2 Rev. A.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. C.1) References: PCGS , FS Valentine 1 and 8 recut at bottom. - Ahwash, Gobrecht Journal #10 (1977) called this V-6a, and so did Blythe (1992). But they did not say how V-6a differed from V-6. - R-4, 8 examples, 9 appearances 1 MS Stack s Bowers $376 NGC AU PCGS CoinFacts PCGS plate above 3 AU PCGS CoinFacts PCGS AU Stack s Bowers group NGC AU PCGS CoinFacts PCGS AU Heritage $153 PCGS slab: FS EF Heritage $92 ANACS slab: FS-301 V-6a Blythe 7 EF Heritage $118 PCGS

17 V-7u Obverse 3 date slightly high Reverse D.1 crack E2 LM Obv. 3: (see V-7ua and V-8u for other uses of Obv. 3) - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 Rev. D.1: - Crack K12 between ES to L of HALF and M. The crack continues (lighter on EDS) to lower wreath and rim at K5, L of A3. Photo p.3. More cracks on V-7ua (next page). References: - Crain, Gobrecht Journal #122, described the die state progression, but did not assign letters. He referred to this die marriage as Unlisted and V- Other. (V-7u and V-7ua used here are my unofficial designations). - LSCC Forum, 2006, list of auction appearances by southcountycollection (Scott) - R-5, 4 examples, 4 appearances (MS example in Crain reference collection) (Note: I extended the auction photo survery further back than usual and some photos were not detailed enough to enable me to attribute them currently). 1 MS Heritage $460 NGC (attribution by Scott, LSCC Forum 2006) 2 AU David Lawrence $115 PCGS plate above 3 EF Heritage $57 ANACS Harmon listed: V-4 (att. by Scott) 4 AU? LSCC Forum Ken Cable-Camilleis dug coin 17

18 V-7ua Obverse 3 date slightly high Reverse D.2 add horiz. cracks Obv. 3: - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 Rev. D.2: - Crack K12 between ES to L of HALF and M. The crack continues (lighter on EDS) to lower wreath and rim L of A3. This vertical crack exists on V-7u (EDS), but the next three horizontal cracks do not. - Crack K9 to T1 to DIM - Crack LF to M to K2:30 - Crack K10:30 to S1 to HAL (usually lighter; last in the die state progression), photo p.3. References: - Ahwash, Cam s Corner, Gobrecht Journal #6 (1976) photo and description. - Crain, The 1843 Shattered Reverse Half Dimes, Gobrecht Journal #122 (2015). - R-5, 4 examples, 4 appearances 1 MS Heritage $219 NGC MS? ebay, NGC Forum SEGS RGT photo 3 EF PCGS TrueView PCGS plate above, greysoldier set registry 4 AU det LSCC Forum Ken Cable-Camilleis dug coin photo 18

19 V-8u Obverse 3 date slightly high Reverse E.2 4 small cracks Obv. 3: (see V-7u and V-7ua for apparent other uses of Obv. 3; linked only by date position) - Date slightly high 1 slightly closer to base than to dentils - Date right pendant just right of upright, photo page 2 - Diagonal clash above 1 in date, from foot of A2 on reverse, photo page 2. This suggests V-8u is the second use of Obv. 3, since this clash mark does not seem to exist on V-7u and V-7ua examples. Confirmation on higher grade examples of V-7u and V-7ua is needed. Rev. E.2: (prior use is V-1A) - Crack 1: rim to U, photo p.4 - Crack/vertical die line 2: rim to T2 (first T in UNITED), photo p.4 - Crack 3: A2 to L dentil, photos p.3, 4. - Crack 4: A3 to rim, photo p.4 - Clash through / below TATESOF, photos p.5. References: - Stephen Crain, in a LSCC Forum post in October 2017, noted the 4 reverse cracks on a specimen in his reference collection, and noted the line/crack above T2 may be a match to that described on V-1A. He also verified the date position. In an earlier draft I described the crack at A2, but had not noticed the other 3 and the link to V-1A. - R-6, 2 examples, 2 appearances. Several more appearances found on ebay. 1 MS PCGS TrueView PCGS AU Heritage $118 NGC

20 V-9u Obverse 5.1 RP 1, file marks S5 S6 S9 Reverse C.1 no cracks Obv. 5.1: - Date low distance from 1 to base is more than twice distance from 1 to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4, photo p.2 - RP 1 South, not displaced by much, photo p.2 - File marks left of S5, S6. File marks right of S9. Better photo of file marks on next page, V-9ua. Rev. C.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. A.1) References: Neil-4 - Neil (1927), The 1 of date shows signs of recutting at base. He did not describe the file marks. - R-5, 4 examples, 6 appearances (rarity for this die state; overall die marriage is R-2) 1 MS Heritage $1410 PCGS Heritage $1645 PCGS Gardner listed: V-6 plate above 2 MS Heritage $460 PCGS (missing from PCGS Auction P R) Heritage $460 PCGS AU Heritage $329 PCGS AU ebay PCGS CAC 20

21 V-9ua Obverse 5.2 clash L lower hand Reverse C.2 heavy clash Obv. 5.1: - Date low distance from 1 to base is more than twice distance from 1 to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4, photo p.2 - RP 1 South, not displaced by much, photo p.2 - File marks left of S5, S6. File marks right of S9. - Clash left of lower hand. Rev. C.2: - Heavy clash below ATESOF, photos p. 5. References: Neil-4 - Ahwash (1975) Bad die defect from second T in STATES to bottom of O in OF. He also stated the obverse was V-2, but the date position does not match. - R-4, 12 examples, 12 appearances 1 MS PCGS TrueView PCGS MS PCGS TrueView PCGS MS Heritage $1064 PCGS MS Heritage $920 NGC MS Heritage $322 PCGS MS Heritage $259 PCGS (missing from PCGS Auction P R) 7 MS Heritage $299 ANACS AU Heritage $165 PCGS plate above 9 AU Heritage $153 NGC

22 V-9ub Obverse 5.3 RP 1 not visible Reverse C.2 heavy clash Obv. 5.3: - Date low distance from 1 to base is more than twice distance from 1 to dentils - Date left pendant over left side of right serif of 4, photo p.2 - RP 1 South, no longer visible, photo p.2 - File marks left of S5, S6. File marks right of S9. Barely visible if at all. - Clash left of lower hand still visible. - Shallow strike? Lapped die? Shallow strike from hub to die? - Note: many photos are shaded below the 1, so identification may be difficult Rev. C.2: - Heavy clash below ATESOF, photos p. 5. References: - Late die state of Neil-4, Ahwash (1975). - R-5, 7 examples, 7 appearances 1 MS PCGS TrueView PCGS MS PCGS TrueView PCGS MS Heritage $1093 PCGS MS Heritage $431 PCGS CAC 5 MS Heritage $475 NGC plate above 6 AU Heritage $188 PCGS (missing from PCGS Auction P R) 7 EF det Heritage $31 PCGS

23 V-10u Obverse 6 tripled 1843 S Reverse A.1 no cracks Obv. 6: - Date low distance from base to 1 is at least twice the distance from 1 to dentils - Date well left pendant over right edge of serif, photo p.2 - Tripled 1843 South, photo p.2 Rev. A.1: - No cracks or clashes (could be the same as Rev. C.1) References: PCGS Breen (1958) One of the unlisted varieties which come in proof has triple cut date. - McCloskey Gobrecht Journal #72 (1998). Apparently this is a proof only variety. - Heritage Kaufman sale catalog (2008) the Reed Hawn specimen (1973) shows the tops of the date digits nearly touching the rock base. This is apparently the second proof variety implied by Breen, but has not been seen since R-7, 4+ examples, 6+ appearances (a few more examples exist) 1 PR Heritage $55,813 NGC plate above Heritage $69,000 NGC Kaufman 2 PR Heritage $30,550 NGC Pittman Gardner PR David Akers $14,300 Pittman lot PR David Lawrence $20,125 NGC Richmond 4 PR PCGS TrueView PCGS ? PR Superior $6,325 PCGS ? 23

24 New and/or previously unpublished results in this study 1. V-1A uses Obverse 2 (V-2), Reverse E.1. It is apparently proof only. 2. V-3 is a later usage of Obverse 2 (V-2), with the rim cud above star 9 extended to above the cap, and chipped base of right foot of 1 in date. 3. V-4 declared as undistinguishable from V-2, so one of them should be dropped. 4. V-5 / V-5A is a later usage of Obverse 1 (V-1), with missing hub flaw between stars 10 and V-5A Reverse A.2 light crack in middle of R. 6. V-9u, V-9ua, V-9ub Neil-4 (RP 1) linked to Ahwash 1975 (heavy rev. clash), then RP 1 eventually fades away. File marks left of stars 5 and 6, and right of star 9 noted often more visible than the RP V-8u new die pair. Obverse 3 (V-7u second shattered rev), Reverse E.2 with 4 tiny reverse cracks. Obsolete V- numbers (suggested; not official yet requires expert review) William Harmon s article in Gobrecht Journal #63 Better Research Needed for New Valentine Varieties included at least two important points. 1. New V- numbers must not be published until there is expert review and agreement. My interpretation: since the quality of experts also has varied in the past, it would be wise to use at least 2 expert reviewers. 2. Some published V- numbers are obsolete and should be removed. Several in Valentine s work are simply die states; not separate die marriages. Also, some new V- numbers were published without sufficient review, and later determined to match existing marriages or to be die states. I propose the following V- numbers for 1843 are obsolete (I did not include pages for them). 1. V-4. Same as V-2, V-2a, V-2b. 2. V-6A. Same as V-6. Discussion I hope this attribution guide proves to be useful, not only for individual collectors, but for slab labels and auction descriptions. Many of the die varieties are fairly easy to identify, and thus quite collectible: - V-2 / V-2a / V-2b The more common shattered reverse. Usually called V-4 at present. - V-5 / V-5A The dramatic horizontal bisecting crack. - V-6 Repunched 1843 South, with the 1 quite low, and 3 very close to dentils. - V-7u / V-7ua The less common shattered reverse. - V-9u / V-9ua/b Repunched 1 slightly South; file marks at Stars 5, 6, 9. Heavy rev. clash (a/b). It would also be helpful to collectors and auction catalogs if the LSCC would declare official V- numbers for the currently unofficial die pairs (and hopefully a few of the major die states, as suggested in this unofficial list). Most of these have been known for many decades V-9u (1927), V-10u (1958), V-9ua (1975), V-7u (1976), etc. Possible future research - Find more examples of V-8u. Check to see if its obverse is the same as V-7u; which usage was first? - Check more die markers to verify that V-1 and V-5 / V-5A share the same obverse die. Date position, shape of left foot of 1, and the missing hub flaw between stars 10 and 11 are somewhat thin evidence. - Is V-1A proof only? 24

25 Links PCGS Auction Prices Realized PCGS Set Registry PCGS CoinFacts Heritage Auctions Stack s Bowers Galleries David Lawrence Rare Coins Liberty Seated Collectors Club Liberty Seated Half Dime Forum Breen s Encyclopedia of Proof Coins Gobrecht Journal archive Gobrecht Journal index and LSCC links Location of this guide This guide is freely available for non-commercial distribution. Permission has been obtained from PCGS, Heritage Auctions, Stack s Bowers Galleries and David Lawrence Rare Coins to reproduce their images. This guide will also be submitted for possible publication in the Gobrecht Journal. Please send any questions, comments or corrections to me at: clint@stanford.edu. 25