1882 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date FS-302 Snow-6

Description

Cataloged as FS-302 and Snow-6, this 1882 Indian Head Cent exhibits a misplaced date with a partial date digit visible above the fourth bead of the necklace from the left. Misplaced dates occur when the die sinker initially punches the date logotype into the wrong area of the working die, then corrects the position by sinking the date in its proper location. The errant first impression, partially obliterated by subsequent die finishing, leaves a ghostly remnant digit where no numeral belongs. The partial digit above the fourth necklace bead places it within the portrait area, indicating a significant initial mispositioning before correction. Struck in bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), the 1882 Indian Head Cent had a Philadelphia mintage of over 38 million pieces. The Indian Head series (1859-1909) relied on hand-punched dates throughout its production span, and misplaced date varieties document the human element in 19th-century die preparation. The FS-302 Cherrypickers' Guide listing and Snow-6 attribution ensure this variety is recognized across the major reference catalogs used by Indian Head Cent specialists.

Attribution History

• FS-302, Snow-6