1897 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-402 Snow-8

Description

Cataloged as FS-402 (Snow-8), this 1897 Indian Head Cent repunched date variety preserves evidence of the original 89 digits punched south of their final position before the date was corrected by a second impression. The southward displacement of the initial punch is visible as remnants of the original numerals below and slightly overlapping the final date placement. Repunched dates on Indian Head Cents document the manual date-punching process used throughout the series, where individual date digits were punched into working dies by hand, creating opportunities for misalignment that required correction. The displaced 89 provides the primary diagnostic, with the gap between the initial and final punch positions visible under magnification. Collectors should examine the lower portions of the 8 and 9 for traces of the original southward impression.

Attribution History

• FS-402, Snow-8