Obverse 1

Two die markers make this obverse easy to identity, the first being the most obvious, even in low-grade coins. There is a die chip below the hand, on the left side of the pole.

Die chip below the hand

On high grade coins, horizontal raised die scratches or polish marks can be seen under LIBERTY on the shield.

Die scratches or die polish lines

Date Position: M 3.5, 0.45 mm

Reverse A

Several good die markers make this die easy to identify. A diagonal die line in the area enclosed by the arrows, branch, and claws, going lower left to top right.

Diagonal die line

The left serif on T and lower left serif on S in CENTS are separated from the rest of their respective letters.

Separated serifs

Comments: These are the same dies that were used to strike the 1875-S Special Strikes. This is the third use of the obverse die (after both the Proofs and Special Strikes). This is the second use of the reverse die (after the Special Strikes). As a circulation strike, it can be found both very well struck and proof-like. It may also be found very poorly struck, especially in the letters on the lower right side of the coin. Coins below VG may have strong rims there, but almost no letters.

Scarcity: This die pairing is available with searching. Some may claim it is very rare since it comes from the same dies that struck the Special Strikes, but as a circulation strike it is readily found, even in Mint State. Rarity rating: R-3.