A Stop at the Island of Misfit Coins

Going back to the wreaths proximity of "C" makes me think it is the reverse AA

 

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To be honest, the double leaf under R doesn't look like a match for any of them. It appears to be almost under the upright. There is a possibility of a new die variety, probably made at the same time as Reverses DD and EE, which share the general design elements. But at this point, I was just looking for a match of known dies. There is some movement of detail with such worn examples.

 

The easiest ways to eliminate that die is to look at the top leaf on the right and the proximity of the (C)A to the right ribbon. The AA has a single leaf almost pointing directly at the left side leaf where this appears to be a double leaf with a slight tilt upwards toward the edge of the coin. The A is very distant from the ribbon on the AA and close on the subject.

But the observation about the proximity of the letters to the wreath detail is interesting.

 

Hmm, you are right about the top leaf of the AA, it definitely doesn't match your example.

 

1818 N-3 R3-

 

1820 N-9 R3

 

1832 N-2 R3-



This doesn't seem to fit the misfit category.

 

1830 (not 39 as I initially thought) N-4 R1

 

1865 2 Cent I don't know of any varieties for 1865.

 

1866 2 Cent. I don't know of any varieties for 1866.

 

Nice work Marshall. And on the 2 centers there are a couple of repunched dates listed in the CPG for 1865, but nothing for 1866.

 

Thanks.

 

Congrats on the newps, Marshall !

I believe the 1803 h1c to be Cohen 1, die marriage 1-A

Obverse: On your coin, LI is more closely spaced than the C-3 (the only other obverse die of this year). Also, on your coin, the 3 is much closer to the 0 than on the C-3.

Reverse: Other key identifiers include :

• a die chip (or repunched "U") inside the "U" near the top
• a very short fraction bar with a die file mark which connects it to the right ribbon
• berry below E1 impaled on a leaf.

All are clearly identifiable on this specimen.

An interesting characteristic of 1803 half cents - apparently, the "T" punch had broken bottom serifs, so most of the Ts appear to be footless. On certain Ts, the engraver endeavored to restore the serifs by hand. It's interesting to look at each T with that in mind.

 

That's priceless.

 

Here is the revised list of coins from my $45 purchase.

1 1803 C-1 Draped Bust Half Cent. R1.

1 1794 S-26 Liberty Cap with blundered Edge Lettering, Edge of 1794. R2.
1 1798 S-181 Draped Bust Style 2 lettering and small 8. R3.
1 1798 Obverse 28 DD or unknown Reverse Draped Bust. R8+ if confirmed.
1 1817 Matron Head N-2. R3-.
1 1818 Matron Head N-3. R3-.
1 1820 Matron Head N-9. R3.
1 1830 Matron Head N-4. R1.
1 1832 Matron Head N-2. R3-.
1 1865 2 Cent
1 1866 2 Cent

Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/showthread.php?t=139269&pagenumber=#ixzz1563wNU2m​

 

I agree completely. Breen's book illustrations are far superior, and they include full 360 degree edge photos. You won't be disappointed.

 

Here is the revised list of coins from my $45 purchase.

1 1803 C-1 Draped Bust Half Cent. R1.
1 1794 S-26 Liberty Cap with blundered Edge Lettering, Edge of 1794. R2.
1 1798 S-181 Draped Bust Style 2 lettering and small 8. R3.
1 1798 Obverse 28 DD or unknown Reverse Draped Bust. R8+ if confirmed.
1 1817 Matron Head N-2. R3-.
1 1818 Matron Head N-3. R3-.
1 1820 Matron Head N-9. R3.
1 1830 Matron Head N-4. R1.
1 1832 Matron Head N-2. R3-.
1 1865 2 Cent Breen 2381 Top Serif of D missing.
1 1866 2 Cent

 

My reverse attribution (Sheldon DD, Breen FF) seems more solid if you look at the fraction. The right 0 in the denominator can just be made out and is large and directly adjacent to the right ribbon at the bend. It is the only large fraction device punch used until 1803. The others are distant from the ribbon and smaller. It is theorized that the punches for another denomination were used but have not been identified when the DD die was prepared.

 

This is the Blundered Edge:



I think I can make out PAYABLE when I flip it over... TAL tokens of 1794 had the edge PAYABLE AT THE STORE OF on their edges. I'd Love to see an edge for a TAL token to see if the edge punches are the same.

 

I think this captures the Die Break at the S better.



I suspect I'm having a great conversation with myself at this point. I was hoping the web site suggested by Condor would be more active. There's just been a ton of enjoyment in this shipment though. I thought SOMEBODY else would also enjoy it.