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Message:: [QUOTE="900fine, post: 595158, member: 6036"]So here's the whole big mystery about "is it a proof or not ?" Though they don't show in the photos, this coin has unmistakable proof fields which shine through the tone. But here's the real issue - Breen describes die states as follows :<blockquote>Die State II - Faint cracks: one joins fourth to sixth stars, anoither goes from seventh star into field above head, about 11 o'clock. No clash marks. Found only on proofs. (emphasis mine) Die State III - First crack extends down to second star. Faint single clash marks on both sides. Found only on proofs. (emphasis mine) </blockquote>The reverse does, indeed, have unmistakable clash marks, indicating DS III (or later). They show as the lighter areas in these places :<ul> <li>Inside the wreath, between leaves, left and below the "C" in CENT</li> <li>Inside the wreath, connecting the leaves with the "H" in HALF</li> <li>Inside the wreath, between leaves, below S2</li> </ul>But here's the mystery : The obverse shows a slightly earlier obverse die state than Breen's DS II. There are die cracks from stars 2 - 6, but there is no crack at Star 7. Further, there are no traces of obverse clash marks. But this coin shows a reverse die state III reverse; the clash marks prove that ! How could it have early Die State II obverse, but Die State III reverse ? <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie5" alt=":confused:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /> It's possible the obverse die was lapped and repolished. Breen does not describe this as die state VI, but it indicates the reground dies have a plainer obverse crack, and obverse clash marks (which this coin lacks). The coin is currently in an NGC MS64 RB PL slab. Personally, by Breen's definition, I believe the coin is a proof.[/QUOTE]

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