1868 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 Snow-1

Description

Listed as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers' Guide and Snow-1 in Rick Snow's attribution system for Indian Head Cents, this 1868 doubled die obverse is one of the most well-documented varieties in the series, holding catalog numbers in two major reference works simultaneously. A doubled die occurs when a working die receives a second, misaligned impression from the hub during the die-making process, creating doubled design elements on all coins struck from that die — as distinct from mechanical doubling, which affects only a single coin and produces a shelf-like artifact. On this variety, doubling is visible on the left elements of the obverse design. The 1868 Indian Head Cent was struck in bronze — the 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc composition adopted in 1864 — at the Philadelphia Mint. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse carries an oak wreath enclosing ONE CENT with a shield at the top. Cross-reference: FS-101; Snow-1.

Attribution History

• FS-101, Snow-1