1884 5c PR CAM

Key to Collecting: The 1884 is a plentiful date and is available in almost any grade desired. Among Mint State coins, most are lower than MS-65. Gems are truly scarce, especially if sharply struck and with good eye appeal. Proofs are usually attractive and well struck.

Characteristics and Appearance: Striking varies, but examples with Full Details can be found with some searching. Luster is usually frosty. Die cracks are not seen as often as for 1884, but are common. Such cracks often lend interest. There were 167 obverse dies made this year, which equals 67,000 impressions per die, if all were used. Such information may be of more theoretical than practical interest, as wide swings in impressions per die probably indicate that for some years, many dies were never used. However, the trend is upward for die use—as data for later years reflect.

Characteristics and Appearance: Deeply mirrored fields are the rule. Most Proofs are well struck, but check the hair details on the obverse and the ear of corn to the left of the ribbon bow on the reverse.

One die has the 1 in 1884 dramatically double punched, most evident at the base; the top of the 1 pierces the neck truncation of Liberty. At least two other obverse dies were used as well.

Variety FS-301, seen on circulation strikes, has several date numerals repunched, most prominently the 1, which has a doubled base. URS-7.