1875-S/CC Trade Dollars Refuted as Over Mintmark (OMM)
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An S/CC over mintmark was first identified on a 1875-S Trade Dollar in 1963. The OMM was described in the New Netherlands Coin Company's sale of December 10-11, 1963. The description gives credit for the discovery to Bob Medler of Texas and authentication by Don Taxay. A second specimen was presented by Coin World in the May 31, 1963 edition.
Since then, this variety was listed in many books. Walter Breen lists it his Encyclopedia as 5792, "1875 S Same, S over CC. Rare. OMM 1". Q. David Bowers lists it in his Silver Dollar & Trade Dollars of the United States under the section 1875-S/CC Trade Dollar. In a book coauthored with John Wexler titled Over Mintmarks and Hot Repunched Mintmarks, the author listed this variety as an OMM on page 67. JT Stanton and Bill Fivax listed this variety in Cherry Pickers' Guide Fourth Edition, Volume II ("CP") listed this variety as an OMM on page 301. In addition, they listed a second 1875-S/CC variety on the following page. This variety has also been certified as an OMM by the major grading services and auction houses.
The second 1875-S/CC listed in CP brought attention as the remnants of the supposed C mintmark was 1/4 the size of the S mintmark. The S mintmark used in 1875 was 1.17mm high. There were two CC mintmarks used for 1875 Trade Dollars struck for Carson City, a medium CC was 1.1mm and a large (tall) CC was 1.2mm high. Both of these were relatively the same size as the S mintmark used for 1875. The extra metal seen to the right of the S on the second variety was only .4mm high, which is 1/4 the size of the normal tall CC and therefore obviously could not be the remnants of a CC mintmark.
The same question then focused on the primary 1875-S/CC Trade Dollar because the extra metal to the right of the S was much smaller than the S. The extra metal to the right of the S was only .689mm high, almost half the height of the large CC mintmark. Overlays were done, which showed that the extra metal to the right of the S would fit inside the center of the large C.
The S/CC and C was photographed with a 60x zoom microscope showing the minute details, which were compared to the large C mintmark. The physical characteristics of the extra metal did not match that of the C mintmark. A complete analysis and study was done on this variety, with the logical conclusion being that it could not be the remnants of a C mintmark. If the remnants of a CC mintmark showed some portion of the top and bottom parts, it is possible that the measured height will have a slight deviation from the normal height. But it is impossible that the measure height of the remnants is almost half the height of the normal height.
Like many others, the author assume this was a valid OMM because it was described as such in so many places. In addition, when looking at it in general, it has the general appearance of a C mintmark when viewed with a 10 power loupe. Its when you compare it against what it should be that questions arise about its validity.
The following analysis will show conclusively that the extra metal is not the remnants of a C mintmark. It appears to simply be die scratches or other flaws that occurred to the face of the working die.
This 1875-S Trade Dollar was first listed as an S/CC over mint mark ("OMM") around 1963. Since then it has been listed by many books and auctions catalogues as an OMM. This includes books by the author. Cross References include: WOMM-001, OMM #1, Breen 5792, FS-501 (12.5), Al-6. In addition, several references have also claimed there was a second reverse die that displayed the S/CC OMM.
The following shows a close up photograph of the first reverse die that claims to be an O/CC OMM. The S mint mark was repunched with remnants of the secondary S seen on the serifs
First we will compare the CC mint mark on a 1875-CC against the so-called S/CC mint mark. We capture the same location in the image to get the same relative size. Trade Dollar expert John Coxe found 18 die marriages for 1875-S varieties, one reverse contained a medium CC with all others containing a large (tall) CC. The Large S used on the 1875-S is 1.17mm high. The large CC is 1.2 mm high while the medium CC is 1.1mm high. The medium and large C used in 1875 is relatively close in size to the Large S used in 1875
Notice that the 1875 large CC mintmark is much larger than the metal to the right of the S. The large C is 1.2mm high. The extra metal to the right of the S is .689mm high, or 57% of the height of the large C. If this was a medium C used in 1875, which is 1.1mm, the extra metal would still much smaller.
The photo below on the left shows a 1875 large C (1.2mm in height) next to the extra metal. The photo on the right shows the 1875 Large C overlaid on top of the extra metal. The C is made slightly transparent so the underlying metal can be seen beneath. The extra metal can fit inside the center of the large C mintmark. A conclusion is apparent that the extra metal cannot be the remnants of a large C. With the medium C mintmark being of a height of 1.1mm, the extra metal cannot be the result of a medium C mintmark either.
If we consider the possibility that the reverse Trade Dollar die was created in 1874, it is possible that other size C mint marks were used. These include C mint mark sizes of .84, .9, and 1.1. These are all still larger than the extra metal to the right of the S.
The photo on the left shows a 1874 Minute C mintmark (.84mm high) to the right of the extra metal. The photo on the right shows the 1874 Minute C mintmark overlaid on top of the extra metal with the C mintmark left partially transparent to see the underlying metal. It is close in size, but still bigger than the extra metal and much wider.
Below on the left is the 1875 Large C mintmark used on the Trade Dollars. On the right is the extra metal to the right of the S mintmark on the 1875-S #1. The images were made the same relative size for comparison of the shape, angles, contours, and other characteristics of the C and extra metal. Even though there are different sizes of the C used on the Trade Dollar mintmarks, they all have the same general shape.
Large C - The upper serif on the C is in a general triangular shape. The right side is clearly vertical. From the upper middle of the C, the metal extends downward at about 35 degrees then when it hits the triangle, changes to about 60 degrees.
Extra Metal - Two connected lines. Top line is at at about 50 degrees connected to the bottom line which is about 80 degrees. A horn shaped object extends from the top line. There is a slight amount of extra metal extending from the center of the lines. The right side is not vertical or complete. The bottom line extends lower than that of the bottom of the C. The level of the metal is not consistent, some metal is lower in height above the field than others. The shape, location, contour, and level of the extra metal do not match that of the serif of the C.
Large C - From the inner top of the C the metal angles sharply downward to the left side.
Extra Metal - The top left of the extra metal has no specific shape or contour that is close to that of the C. There is not metal connecting to the two lines to the right. There is extra metal in various shapes that are seen on the inside and outside of what would be the normal outline of the C. Metal extends upward and appears in the shape of leaves and an acorn on top. Several clumps of metal are seen on what would be the inside in various shapes and sizes. The level or depth of the metal is not consistent, some metal is lower in height above the field than others. There is no characteristics of the extra metal that matches the top left of the C. In addition, there is extra metal in locations beyond where the outline of the C would be.
Large C - The left side of the C goes from minimal thickness at the top and bottom to the thickest point in the center. The inside of the left side is relatively vertical. On the outside of the left side of the C, the transition between the top and bottom to the center is a gradual continual curve. The top portion of the left side, or the metal furthest away from the field appears to be consistent in height, Many times we see digits of the date or mintmarks with high points in the center to make it easier to strike them into the face of the working die, the same concept of how the tip of a nail is pointed and skinnier than the rest of the nail.
Extra Metal - There is metal in the general shape of a line that extends about half way down the left side. There is no metal seen on the lower left side. The entire extra metal is much thinner than a normal C. How could the entire left side of the C, which is consistent in height above the field not be seen? There are no physical characteristics of the extra metal which matches that of a normal C.
Large C - Starting from the center bottom of the C, the metal curves upward, dramatically at first, then less so to the point of becoming almost straight near the lower serif. A slight gap is seen between the lower and upper serifs of the C. The metal stays the same relative thickness from the bottom to the serif.
Extra Metal - There is a curved line at the bottom that extends up to the right. The line is straight the final third and points outward, away from the upper serif. The curvature of the C at this point is definitely different than on the extra metal at this point. There is extra raised metal extending upward from the curved line forming clumps. This extra metal would be inside of the C. When viewed at a high level such as with a 10x loupe, the extra metal might have the general appearance and shape of a C mintmark. But when examine and study closely the remnants of the extra metal, comparing the angles, shape, contour, height, size, and other characteristics to an actual C mintmark, we can determine and conclude whether these physical characteristics align with that of the C. On the extra metal to the right of the S mintmark, we can determine that it does not match the C mint mark. The 1875-S Trade Dollar, which was called the second S/CC variety has extra metal that is only .4mm tall, or roughly 1/4 the size of a Large C and half the size of a minute C that was used for 1874 Trade Dollars. It cannot be the remnants of a C mintmark. Below are photos of two 1900-O/CC over mint marks. The secondary C's are clearly visible with the raised outline following that of the C mintmark and are of the general size of the normal CC mintmarks used. Examining the CC from the 1893-CC Morgan Dollar, the remnants appear to reflect the high points of CC mintmark that was left when the face of the working die was ground down, leaving those elements that were primarily at the same depth
When viewed at a high level such as with a 10x loupe, the extra metal might have the general appearance and shape of a C mintmark. But when examine and study closely the remnants of the extra metal, comparing the angles, shape, contour, height, size, and other characteristics to an actual C mintmark, we can determine and conclude whether these physical characteristics align with that of the C. On the extra metal to the right of the S mintmark, we can determine that it does not match the C mint mark.
The 1875-S Trade Dollar, which was called the second S/CC variety has extra metal that is only .4mm tall, or roughly 1/4 the size of a Large C and half the size of a minute C that was used for 1874 Trade Dollars. It cannot be the remnants of a C mintmark. Below are photos of two 1900-O/CC over mint marks. The secondary C's are clearly visible with the raised outline following that of the C mintmark and are of the general size of the normal CC mintmarks used. Examining the CC from the 1893-CC Morgan Dollar, the remnants appear to reflect the high points of CC mintmark that was left when the face of the working die was ground down, leaving those elements that were primarily at the same depth.
How is a mintmark added to a working die. Up through the mid-1970s, the mintmark was added to the working die as one of the final steps in the production of the die using mallet and a punch with the raised mintmark on the end. The engraver would lay the punch on the face of the and strike the mintmark into the annealed softened die using the mallet. As the mintmark was added by hand during this period, the location of the mintmark was normally unique. The depth the mintmark was struck into the face of the die was dependant on the force used in striking the mallet. If the Engraver struck the mallet lightly, it is probable that only light remnants of the mintmark would be incused into the face of the working die.
Were the CC mintmark struck from the same punch or from separate punches? We know from studying the Trade Dollars that there were several sizes used for the CC mintmark. There have been several intense studies of every die marriage used on the Trade Dollars including by John Coxe, which also document the mintmarks used. A conclusion is drawn that the CC mintmark was struck from a single punch as the relative position of CC mintmark is consistent on different dies. We see some struck with the CC farther apart than others. But also that there are several that exhibit the exact same relative position to each other provides evidence that they were struck from the same punch. If there were two minute CCs on the reverse, then an overlay of the pair shows that if you align the second CC with the extra metal, the first C should primarily to the left of the S with some of the S overlaying the right side of the C. So where are the remnants of the first C? The below photograph shows an overlay of the minute CC used for 1874 Trade Dollars over the S mintmark and extra metal.
Why would over mintmarks be created? Working dies for the following year were normally prepared starting around November. In 1937, Buffalo nickel reverse working dies were prepared with an S mintmark for the San Francisco Mint in 1838. When it was decided not to strike Buffalo nickels at the San Francisco Mint in 1838, these working dies were set to be used at the Denver Mint with a D mintmark. The same reasoning happened in 1955 on the Jefferson nickels. Working dies were prepared or the San Francisco Mint, then after it was decided that no nickels were to be struck there in 1955, the working dies were then used at the Denver Mint. Sometimes unused working dies are subsequently used for a different Mint. Unused reverse working dies from the Carson City Mint that were returned to the Philadelphia and subsequently used for Morgan Dollars struck at the New Orleans Mint.
Why would one working die prepared for the Carson City Mint be retasked to be used at the San Francisco Mint? The Carson City Mint and the San Francisco Mints struck Trade Dollars in 1875 and 1876. Why would this only be done to the reverse of one working die? There are a few cases of only a single OMM found for a particular year for a series and Mint, such as the 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D Washington quarters or the 1949-D/S Jefferson nickels. With one example, it is more likely a mistake. With many OMMs created in a given year for a series, it is more probable that it was purposeful. In addition, as the Large and Medium CC mintmarks used for 1875 Trade Dollars and are to large to be the remnants of the extra metal. For argument sake, is it possible that a minute CC mintmark used on the 1874 Trade Dollars, which is closer in size to the extra metal have been returned to the Philadelphia Mint and repurposed for the San Francisco Mint?
How would the old mintmarks be removed from the face of the working die? There are two possibilities: The engraver could remove the old mintmark by cutting out the area from the face of the working die. The face of the working could be grounded down to a level below the mintmark.
The Engraver could not have cut the metal around the digits to remove them as this would have left a hole in the die. What if the Engraver was able to fill the incused space of the original digits with molten die steel and strike in the new mintmark? The Engraver does not want to waste die steel. If he is able to take steel that is the same alloy as the die steel and melts it to its molten point, then pours it into the incused cavity of original digits, filling them close to the top. Craig Sholley, an expert on die steel believes that such a procedure would be physically impossible, especially given that molten die steel remains rather viscous and would be extremely difficult to carry and pour onto the working die. This is also the problem of oxidation/entrapment of gas bubbles and possibly melting parts of the working die.
To lower the level of the field to remove the mintmark on the reverse working die, the Engraver would most likely have used a grinder on the surface of the field to remove metal until the base of the mintmark was reached. This would also cause a reduction of the level of the design elements that were close to the field. If to much design elements were removed, the Engraver would then rehub the working die to increase the depth of the design elements to where they should be. If the surface is ground down to just above the bottom of the mintmark, there would be remnants of the mintmark present. Given that the mintmarks are very shallow in depth, not much would have to be removed from the face of the working die.
The deepest part of the mintmark on the working die is the top of the mintmark. The top of the mintmark is normally smooth and concave inward from the sides. The highest point of the left side of the C mintmark should be at the same depth in the die as the high points of the upper and lower curves and serifs of the C. If the working die is ground down to right above the top of the digits, then those elements of the mintmark that are at the same depth will still exist. What will remain is the top of the mintmark with slightly concave sides, a smooth surface, and a defined outline.
The extra metal that is to the right of the S mintmark on the 1875-S Trade Dollar cannot be the remnants of the medium CC (1.1mm) or large (tall) CC (1.2mm) mintmark. The extra metal is only .689mm in height and does not even come close to the sizes of the CC used for 1875 Trade Dollars struck for Carson City. When comparing the physical characteristics of the C mintmark to the extra metal, the shape, size, contour, angles, curvature, location of the extra metal does not match that of the C mintmark. The physical evidence points to the logical conclusion that the extra metal is not the result of the die being originally struck with a CC mintmark.
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