1863 and 1864 proof and pattern restrikes
kevinj
Posts: 980 ✭✭✭
I am working on my restrike book (second to last coin book), 3/4 done. One of my favorite subjects in numismatics.
Working on the 1863-64 Half Dimes, which Breen says there are restrikes on the proofs and patterns.
He uses the missing top of the D as a diagnostic for these. Right now I believe there is a high probability
that these are restrikes, struck after 1870.
I see the missing top of the D on some 1863 and 64 patterns.
Have not seen any missing top of D on 1863 and 64 proofs.
I searched through all HDs sold on Heritage Auctions, could not find any 63, 64 proofs with the
missing top of the D.
Has anyone seen and verified these?
Thanks
Kevin
kevinjflynn88@yahoo.com
Kevin J Flynn
1
Comments
Have you checked the regular Proofs from 1868-on for hub characteristics found on the suspected restrikes, since that would be around when the restrike dies were remade?
Started to check for die diagnostics, especially on the 1872-73 proofs, where the top of the D is missing, need to dive into this further
Don't forget to check the off-metal so-called Regular Dies Trial Pieces. You may have to check actual auction listings since the pattern website often uses one set of pictures to illustrate multiple uses of the same design pair.
Yes, I have seen the above photo of the 1863 V-2 proof with Open Top D in silver.
Above is the obverse of a PR-66 cam in Alan Welty's collection.
Compared to the V-1, the V-2 date is left and it does not have the repunched 18 south.
For 1864, I have not seen any of the Open Top D proofs in silver, just the patterns J-378 to J-380 in copper, aluminum and nickel.
The majority of 1864 silver proofs are V-1 (low date); minority are V-4 (middle, uphill date).
Thanks Clint,
I saw this also on the Lib Seated forums, the only one I saw anywhere
Went through all of the images of 63-64 HD proofs on Heritage, nada
If it is a silver, IMO, it is a restrike, and extremely rare
Kevin