1877 Penny Variety

[RLC35]

I have a 1877 Penny that has a very unusual downward Spike in the middle extension of the "E" in ONE! Has anyone else ran upon this variety? I don't see it listed in the catelog, but thought I would bring it forward for discussion. It probably is a recut letter, but for the life of me I can't decide what the original letter would have been. Here is a pic of the coin.

[£400 for a Penny ?]

Interesting.

Is it possible to show a side by side comparison with the other 'E' from 'PENNY' ?

[Rob]

A couple of misplaced attempted E's looks a likely candidate. Looking above the obvious E and to the left near the linear circle is what could be the top of another E. On the bottom bar of the obvious E is a vertical line to the left of the existing serifs which is in the correct position relative to the central bar spike to be an E as well. The central one looks quite flaw-like, but the spacing is about right.

[Peckris]

A couple of misplaced attempted E's looks a likely candidate. Looking above the obvious E and to the left near the linear circle is what could be the top of another E. On the bottom bar of the obvious E is a vertical line to the left of the existing serifs which is in the correct position relative to the central bar spike to be an E as well. The central one looks quite flaw-like, but the spacing is about right.

Yes, my vote would be for a flaw too.

[RLC35]

Attached are some close up pictures of the "E" (x60) that shows multiple cracks coming from the rim, and extending through the character "E." While a multiple restrike (repair) of the "E" probably did occur, it might also be that some of the change could have been caused by debris stuck to the die during this time period. This debris probably was caused by the breaking (cracking) of the die. I have conversed with Michael Gouby about the issue, and he also feels that could be a contributing factor too.

Thanks to all for your input!

[Rob]

Attached are some close up pictures of the "E" (x60) that shows multiple cracks coming from the rim, and extending through the character "E." While a multiple restrike (repair) of the "E" probably did occur, it might also be that some of the change could have been caused by debris stuck to the die during this time period. This debris probably was caused by the breaking (cracking) of the die. I have conversed with Michael Gouby about the issue, and he also feels that could be a contributing factor too.

Thanks to all for your input!

The top image reinforces my thoughts that it is an E because there is an angled feature which matches the profile of the top of the widening end on the lower bar relative to the central spur and the spacing is correct too. I can't say if it is prominent in the hand from the image, but if the colour is a reflection of the strike, then it matches.

Edited January 26, 2010 by Rob