the 3 in the date is closer to the bust on the S-246 than it is on this coin, and the S-246 is also one of the mumps obverse varieties. this coin does not appear to have the mumps obverse feature.
I don't think it is an S-246 closer to S-250. Another wait for marshall or conder to find the thread.
No, it's an S-246 for sure. Here are some very clear pick-up points. The early or perfect state of the s-246 does not exhibit the "Mumps" diagnostic. The condition of the coin makes it a bit difficult to determine the die state, but the earliest state does not show the "Mumps" and early states exhibit very little of the defect. On the obverse of the s-246 the 1 is to the left of the hair "curl" near the shoulder and close - exhibited by this example. The s-250 is to the right and lower. On the reverse of the s-246 -the leaf-tip below S in STATES is to the left of the right side of S - exhibited in this example. The same leaf tip on the s-250 is far right of the right side of S almost to the T. The fraction bar is longer on the S-246 not close to the last ) and almost touching the ribbon and the numerator is high, all exhibited in this coin. On the s-250 the fraction bar is shorter and lower as is the fraction. The right stem on the S-246 points to the left upright in A. Again, exhibited in this example. The right stem on the S-250 points betweem the uprights of the final A in AMERICA.
This may help. Pictures are always better. Check against my pick-up point comments in message above. S-246 OBV S-246 REV S-250 OBV S-250 REV
Clearly not an s-250 as the position of the fraction in relation to the ribbon tips is not close. The lack of the mumps break can be confusing ,but as Dave points out the break is missing in the early state and can be tough to see on worn middle die state coins. By the way, welcome to the forum Dave!
Thanks, Brian. Occasionally I have a few days away from the serious early copper world when I can have fun and enjoy reading the forums and maybe posting a bit.
