Obverse 33 EXCLUDED Crack from middle of forehead through Y to rim not there. A different angle than the one which might be there.
It appears we have eliminated all but Obverses 22 and 23 of 1798 if we presume the die break is legit. That leaves us with those two or an unknown Obverse.
Reverse U is paired with each and die state study indicates it's latest use was on the S-169. However; this cannot be Reverse U because the C of Cent is rotated clockwise and is close to E on U and this is definitely the opposite with a slight counter clockwise rotation of C and distant from E. If the Die Crack is confirmed, it would be a new obverse die or a new pairing with another Reverse Die or both.
I believe I've identified the reverse. Reverse T has markers which I have highlighted in red. However; I also note an anomaly in green which doesn't look quite right.
If the "crack" is pmd, then it is a S-167 middle die state. If it is legit, It would appear to be a mule of Obverse 22 and Reverse T struck after S-169 (21T). Note. Strike order for Obverse 21 is S-171,S-170, S-169. Let me see if I can locate an alternative diagnostic excluding Obverse 21 other than unseen die breaks.
Awesome! Thanks for your assessment! You really show your passion for these coins! I hope the die crack is not PMD, not sure How to go about determining that though.
I'm afraid the only thing excluding Obverse 21 is a die crack which appears before any hint of the "die crack" at L and does not appear on your coin. I can find nothing else to exclude it. Any identification of a second coin showing a "crack" at the the exact same location gives greater weight to the possibility of a new die than simple examination of a single example in this condition. See if you can track this down and get a link.
I think you got it with S-167 check out the TE on the rev. It shows the chips joining the serif of the T to the lower left serif of the E and the chip parallel to that one coming off the lower right corner of the E. The line from T to E appears stronger on thesubject coin than on the mid stage piece shown below it, but I think it is a pretty fair match
Agreed, I’ll be checking the “die crack” put under a very nice microscope at my work today. I do believe it to be PMD.
After viewing it under the microscope, I have determined it to be some sort of corrosion. It’s very interesting however too inconsistent from a die crack. The wear is different, and it’s age appears younger than the minted coin itself.