1884 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date FS-301 Snow-1

Description

Partial impressions of the digits 8 and 4 punched below the second 8 and 4 of the date — visible within the lower denticles — define FS-301, the primary misplaced date variety for the 1884 Indian Head Cent. The date punch was initially brought down slightly too low before being repositioned, leaving ghost impressions of the affected digits embedded in the denticle zone. This variety is doubly attributed under the Cherrypickers Guide as FS-301 and in J. P. Martin's Snow reference as Snow-1, one of the few Indian Head Cent misplaced date varieties to hold a primary listing in both major references simultaneously. The 1884 Indian Head Cent was struck in bronze — 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc — at the Philadelphia Mint under James B. Longacre's design. Misplaced date varieties arise when a digit punch contacts the die face outside the intended date field during positioning. The displaced impressions of 8 and 4 in the denticles are clearly discernible under magnification, and the dual attribution across both major references confirms FS-301's standing as the benchmark 1884 Indian Head Cent misplaced date.

Attribution History

• FS-301, Snow-1