This is kind of a two part question. I don't have photos as the coin is at the dealer so I will have to kind of explain my reasons for asking. First, there is a 1807 large cent that the dealer states is the comet variety. I can't say that I see the comet based on location of the die break. I did read that on some of the coins the comet isn't always visible. Are there other diagnostics that can determine if this is indeed a comet variety? It also doesn't appear to be one of the overdate coins either. So, if it isn't a comet variety or an overdate, then it comes down to the large or small fraction. I think it will go f/vf for condition but I am unsure about another piece of the puzzle... Did the mint always strike coins obverse top to reverse bottom? Flipping the coin from top to bottom like today or was there a time this was not the case. This 1807 is not top to bottom but flipping side to side to see both sides upright.. Hope that makes sense...
Per your second question on the coin alignment, Yes. If the die rotated 180 degrees then you would have a medal alignment
Hmmm, well I swear this was what appeared to be 180 degrees rotated then.. because when I flipped it to look at the reverse it was opposite where I expected it to be... I just put it back as I wasn't sure how the reverse should be in relation to the obverse. I thought perhaps it was fake..
Why not ask the dealer if you can take some pictures? Then post them here.If he is an honest person he has nothing to lose,and everything to gain like a good reputation.Just a thought.
I sent an email to Tom Deck over at largecents.net and he states that S-276 for the 1807 Large Cent is seen with all sorts of die rotations including 180 degree so I guess I wasn't seeing things with this one..
Another suggestion would be to consult Heritage Auction Prices Realized. Just type in: 1807 Comet, and you will get many results results to allow you to see what die details to look for. Or, get a picture of the coin you are interested in and posted it here.
Quick diagnostic on the comet variety is the tip of leaf by the D in United is even with upright of the D, on all other non-overdate 1807's the tip is further up the D. Tom is also correct, the 276 has multiple die rotations.
I would go even further to look at the left side of the upright of D if it is truly reverse A. This would be a rare Die State I if it is and possibly unique if it is also rotated 180 degrees. The S-276 is found rotated randomly, but the Reverse has both a large fraction and the leaf point under the middle of D so this should make the Reverse diagnostic easy for a coin in Fine. Here is a link to the Holmes Collection: http://www.icollector.com/1807-S-271-R1-Comet-Obverse-PCGS-graded-AU58_i8599560 http://www.icollector.com/1807-S-276-R1-Large-Fraction-VF20_i8599566
If the reverse is rotated almost 180 degrees it is most likely an S-276 which can come with many different rotations, but about 80% of the time is rotated almost 180 degrees. Other diagnostics to look for Gap between the ends of the wreath a little left of the center of the E is 271 or 274 271 has leaf point below the upright of the D in UNITED, 274 has that leaf point almost under the right edge of the D. Both have a small fraction. Gap below the serif of the E, and leaf point below the center of the D in UNITED and the fraction is large is 275 or 276 (same reverse die). On 275 LIBERTY is well away from the hair, on 276 it is right down against it but not touching.
