Comparing dates on 2 - 1874 3cent nickels

LanLord

I happened across 2 - different 1874 3 cent nickels and noticed that the numbers in the date were different as compared to the dentils.

I have superimposed black lines to make it easier to trace the location of the numeral to the individual dentil(s). Granted there is nothing scientific about this, the angles are not exactly the same in all pictures, but it is close enough to see that the numerals are in significantly different position on one coin versus the other.

Now all this and a $1.25 will get you a cup of coffee at any resturant in town. While I find it interesting, it's probably fairly common on these older coins.

longtimecollector

I've used the "date vs. dentils" method for years when identifying different obverse dies on Seated Halves where no other obvious die markers can be found....... On the Reverse, I have used mintmark placement as well

LanLord

<< <i>I've used the "date vs. dentils" method for years when identifying different obverse dies on Seated Halves where no other obvious die markers can be found....... On the Reverse, I have used mintmark placement as well >>

Yeah, the reverses of these little jewels have very little to use as markers for differntiating dies. I suppose I could count leaves starting from 12:00, but that seems tedious. Perhaps that's what being truely anal-retentive about research is really all about.

JadeRareCoin

There were an estimated 16 working dies (obverse) created from 1 master die for the 1874 3-Cent Nickels. The date was entered into each of the 16 working dies individually, so it is highly likely that they can be found in slightly different locations. Some of the 8 documented varieties for this year are scarce, but none rare. Good observation LanLord!

lathmach

Keep it up lanlord, and you'll get hooked on collecting by die variety.

Ray

dorkkarl

i would think that new 3-cent coin book would be the place for you to start.

K S