Die Characteristics For 1888/7 Indian Cent Snow-1 Variety

John,
Agreed...the Cud at 9:00 is a significant marker. In the past, I have actively looked for this coin unattributed, and would you believe a collector found a VF-30 1888/7 S-1 for only $2? From what I've heard, new discoveries are quite rare--but that proves it's possible.

I've spent countless hours looking for this coin, and observed that while the rim Cud advances slightly along the edge and deeper into the denticles, it always covers the majority of 2 denticles opposing the E in UNITED. However, that begs the question--what about earlier die states of this variety? If coins with this advancing Cud were struck, I tend to think there were S-1 examples with a much smaller Cud, but very few (if any) have been found. When I asked Rick Snow about EDS S-1s, he thought it possible, but then he fell back on the idea that every genuine S-1 should have a rim cud--confusing to say the least! I'll concede to his expertise, although I consider it quite possible that more S-1s exist without the Cud because they must have been struck--and an average of 200,000 coins/die were struck in 1888! The other possibility--the mint reused a die from 1887 with a Cud present--is a bit far-fetched. So, at least a few coins were struck before the die broke.

I agree that's it's often difficult to see the overdate 7 on genuine S-1s in lower grades. In fact, I consider it possible that coins exist with this small feature obscured by dirt--and possibly lacking the full rim Cud of known examples. Of course, attributing these coins will be very difficult from photos alone!

Regarding additional markers, here's something I found after studying a number of genuine S-1s. While I've seen a couple of exceptions, I've have noticed more coins with a weak 8th feather tip, as noted by the arrow in the composite photo below. Of course, I have only seen a dozen different S-1s!

Just a few rambling thoughts after studying this variety--good luck!

Here's another thought on markers. From what I've seen, there were at least 3 distinct date punches on the varieties I've studied for 1888. The shape of the 1 in the date is a good point to compare. Compare your coin in question to the S-1, and you'll see the S-1 die uses a 1 punch that has a thinner, more extended point on the upper left with a more pronounced curve between the top and left point. Position of the date is key here too...as all S-1s will be exactly the same. The date has been etched in my mind...after looking at hundreds of coins, lol.