I have aquired a Canadian Cent from 1891. While classifying this coin, I found that the Standard Catalog listed 2 entries for this date. One has the initials S.D.L.L., the other S.D.S.L. But it doesn't tell what they mean or how to tell the diffference. Could someone educate me on this coin. Thanks, JonySky
From doing a little Googling I see there are three types of 1891 cent... Large date with large leaves - LDLL Small date with large leaves - SDLL Small date with small leaves - SDSL No idea how to tell the differences. Perhaps there are pics of both types on eBay you can compare to. ~Brian
There are three different varities, and two reverses so there are five well known versions of the 1891 cent.
Thanks Thanks to both of you. I don't think I would have ever figured the letters out. The more I learn, the less I know. JonySky
From the few 1891's I've seen there appears to be at least 12 varieties IMHO: 1891 LLLD 1891 SLLD 1891 SLSD Each of the above three reverse varieties have 2 different date spacings at least - Wide and Narrow Date. Additionally, there were 2 different obverse portraits of the Queen used during minting of these (#2 and #3) - the markers of these obverse types are typically the Queen's chin/throat area, however others on the site here may identify other ways to attribute these obverse portraits as I usually mess them up. Furthermore, I think the obverse #3 the letter "C" in Canada is almost closed...in all others it will be open "C"...not sure though?? Post a pic...there is a member here, bromac4, who was sharp on identifying a 5 cent piece I screwed up royally on...Maybe he could offer his opinion on the variety you have. SLSD and SLLD (both obverse #2) typically being the tougher to come across. Couldn't tell you the relative "rarity" between wide and narrow dates. Trends in CCN, however, does not mention the 2 date spacing varieties for 91. I'm not sure if Charlton's does however. These large cents have a number of unofficially 'recognized' varieties, so there may even be more. Hope that helps.
