Die cracks on half cents

[Bob P]

Hi Michael,
I don't think the word 'variety' is applicable here. If Breen is showing the different die cracks, they may be marker photos showing the die state. A die crack does not constitute a variety. Is there anything else on the coin that could make it a variety such as a doubled die or repunched date? If there is, then that's when the word variety would be used. You might also be aware that beginning in 1831, new equipment and dies were used and and there were raised rims on half cents. There were restrikes on some coinage (esp 1831 and 1836), some resulting in the large berries/small berries varieties.

Bob P

[Cuprum_Centum_Dimidium]

I realize I'm replying to year-old topic, but I just found this forum today and thought I might contribute to the topic.

A die crack is visible along the tops on MERICA on better (F+) grades of the 1835 C2 (Cohen 2) variety in Die State 1.0. Later cracks develop in Die State 3.0, most noticable being the crack from between DS to HA arcing up through the right wreath branch and out to rim via OF. You won't see these cracks on the C1, but you might see some clash marks on early die states.

A better method, IMHO, to distinguish the C1 and C2 is the placement of the first S in STATES. On the C2, the space between the S and T is half the width of the S; it's nearly the full width of the S for the C1.

In Summary:

ST far apart = 1835 C1
ST close together = 1835 C2

Hope this helps folks in the future.

[GarryN]

Great info, always great to see an EAC member contribute. I know some of us have some early American and colonial pieces. Smed has a picture of his Chain cent on the chat line right now.