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Of course this brings us back to a perennial argument of strike and grade. IMO, a coin that is just as it left the dies with NO contact marks or handling would theoretically be a mint state 70 regardless of the crispness or softness of strike or whether there are die breaks, etc. The problem arises when some wear is introduced to the equation, and the qualities of strike and wear become inextricably mixed. Interestingly (or maybe not) with regards to this coin, I do appreciate a better strike for aesthetics. Not all 1860/59 pennies are equal in presentation or value. I have seen some slabbed MS62s that are superior if not technically then overall to 63s or maybe 64s. The above coin has a better strike but shows some wear signs, esp. the obverse that along with the grime would, if pressed, get a grade of 55 for me. OK, forgive me for the Sheldon grading...

Thanks to Rob & JLS. It appears I have a new die pairing and thus a new die variety of RIC 519 with 'C' below the Altar.

I love Mr Boyle. Congratulations on finding a repeatable quote of his.

As Frankie Boyle said " Donald Trump is nothing like Adolf Hitler- there's no way he could write a book".....