1892 Indian Head Cent Die Scratches FS-401 Snow-14

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-401 and Snow-14, the 1892 Indian Head Cent die scratch variety documents deliberate or accidental scratches across Liberty's portrait that were present on the working die and transferred to every coin struck from it. The dual FS and Snow attributions confirm recognition in both the Cherrypickers' guide (Fivaz-Stanton) and J.T. Snow's specialized Indian Head Cent reference, establishing this as a well-documented variety within two major cataloging systems. Die scratches differ from post-strike damage because they appear raised on the coin's surface rather than incuse, having been cut into the die as recessed lines that fill with metal during striking. James Barton Longacre's Indian Head design, produced from 1859 through 1909, features the Liberty figure wearing a feathered headdress where die scratches crossing the portrait create distinctive linear diagnostics. The 1892 date falls within the later bronze composition era of the series, when Indian Head Cents were struck in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. The FS-401 Cherrypickers listing provides guide-book accessibility, while the Snow-14 designation anchors this variety within the specialized Indian Head Cent variety census for collectors of this popular 19th-century series.

Attribution History

• FS-401, Snow-14