Posted 04/28/2008 12:00 am
There are a number of ways to tell the difference without the motto - but with the motto the difference is pretty obvious with photos. Check a Red Book - it has pictures of both mottos.
One way to tell on lower grade coins is that the first berry beneath the left side of the motto banner hangs left on large motto examples, and right on the small motto examples.
Many other differences can be found by comparing 1865 coins to the 1864 small motto coins. 1865 coins carry the same design as the 1864 large motto coins....so if you happen to have a date set and cannot figure out which the 1864 is, compare it to an 1865. If the designs are identical, you have a large motto.
One way to tell on lower grade coins is that the first berry beneath the left side of the motto banner hangs left on large motto examples, and right on the small motto examples.
Many other differences can be found by comparing 1865 coins to the 1864 small motto coins. 1865 coins carry the same design as the 1864 large motto coins....so if you happen to have a date set and cannot figure out which the 1864 is, compare it to an 1865. If the designs are identical, you have a large motto.
