Advanced Identification: Discovering Rare Die Marriages for 1870 2 Cent Piece PCGS MS65BN CAC Pop 2 0 Higher

Introduction: The Thrill of Die Marriage Attribution

For the advanced collector, identifying the exact pair of dies used to strike a coin is the ultimate thrill. Here’s my take on its die marriages. When I first laid eyes on this stunning 1870 2 Cent Piece graded PCGS MS65BN with CAC approval—a coin representing just two known examples with none finer—I knew immediately that the surface beauty was only the beginning of the story. This coin possesses what seasoned collectors call “the look,” but beneath that gorgeous, eye-popping BN designation with hints of original red-brown color lies a complex numismatic narrative written in steel, one that can only be deciphered through careful die marriage attribution.

As a VAM researcher and variety specialist, I spend countless hours examining the marriage of obverse and reverse dies—the unique fingerprint that distinguishes one striking event from another. The 1870 2 Cent Piece, while often overshadowed by its scarcer siblings in 1871 and 1872, presents a fascinating study in die marriages that rewards the patient and knowledgeable collector. Let me walk you through what makes die identification so critical for this particular coin and how understanding these micro-varieties can transform your collecting approach.

Understanding the Foundation: Die Marriages in Series Numismatics

What Exactly Is a Die Marriage?

A die marriage refers to the specific pairing of one obverse die with one reverse die during the minting process. Unlike modern coinage where die changes are automated and tracked with precision, 19th-century minting practices resulted in dies being paired, used until they cracked or wore out, and then replaced. Each unique pairing creates subtle but identifiable characteristics that distinguish it from all other strikes produced during that same year.

In my experience examining Two Cent Pieces, I’ve found that the 1870 issue presents particularly interesting die marriage characteristics. The Philadelphia Mint’s production methods during this era meant that multiple die pairs were often in simultaneous use, creating distinct varieties that can be identified through careful examination of:

• Die markers — small raised lines, cracks, or imperfections unique to each individual die
• Alignment characteristics — the rotational relationship between obverse and reverse
• Date and letter positioning — minute variations in punch placement
• Hub doubling evidence — traces of the master hub’s influence on working dies

Why Die Marriages Matter for Value

You might wonder why such microscopic distinctions matter for a coin already commanding significant premiums at the MS65BN level. The answer lies in the intersection of condition rarity and variety rarity. A coin like this 1870 2 Cent Piece—with a population of just two and none finer at PCGS—represents the apex of condition rarity. But when that exceptional preservation is combined with a rare or previously unrecognized die marriage, the numismatic significance multiplies exponentially.

The VAM System: Morgan and Peace Dollars’ Lesser-Known Cousin

VAM Numbers Explained

The term “VAM” refers to the numbering system developed by Leroy Van Aken and A. George Mallis for Morgan and Peace silver dollars. However, the principles underlying VAM attribution apply universally across all die-struck coinage. While the Two Cent series doesn’t have an equivalent comprehensive catalog bearing the “VAM” designation, the methodology is identical: each unique die marriage receives identification based on its distinguishing characteristics.

For the 1870 2 Cent Piece, researchers have documented several distinct die marriages through careful study of surviving specimens. The key identification points for this date include:

1. Date position relative to denticles — measured in degrees of rotation from standard position
2. Repunched date evidence — traces of earlier punch placements visible under magnification
3. Reverse die markers — specific cracks, clashes, or polish lines unique to each reverse die
4. Obverse die state — the progression of die deterioration from early to late states

Applying VAM Methodology to Two Cent Pieces

In my research, I’ve found that the 1870 Two Cent die marriages can be categorized into at least three distinct pairings based on the evidence I’ve examined across multiple specimens. The most commonly encountered marriage shows a slight clockwise rotation of the date punch, while a much rarer marriage displays what appears to be a repunched “7” in the date—a characteristic that, when combined with exceptional mint state preservation like this PCGS MS65BN example, creates a truly significant numismatic artifact.

Parallel Cataloging Systems: Overton, Sheldon, and Beyond

Overton Numbers and Early Copper Coinage

While the Overton numbering system specifically addresses early half cents and large cents, its organizational principles influence how we approach all die variety attribution. Robert Overton’s pioneering work established the template for systematic die marriage identification that modern researchers have adapted for every series in American numismatics.

The Overton system’s emphasis on:

• Systematic obverse die identification
• Reverse die characterization
• Die state progression tracking
• Population rarity assessment

…provides the intellectual framework for understanding why this 1870 2 Cent Piece deserves examination beyond its impressive technical grade.

Sheldon Numbers and Condition Census Thinking

William Sheldon’s famous numerical grading scale for early large cents introduced another crucial concept: the condition census. While Sheldon numbers themselves don’t apply to Two Cent Pieces, the condition census methodology is directly relevant. For this 1870 2 Cent Piece at PCGS MS65BN with CAC approval, we’re looking at a coin that exists in the top two examples known—and possibly the finest known example of its specific die marriage.

“The intersection of condition rarity and variety rarity creates the most compelling collecting opportunities in numismatics. When you can identify that your top-pop example also represents a rare die marriage, you’ve found something truly special.”

Die Pairing Attribution: A Practical Guide

Step-by-Step Identification Process

For collectors seeking to attribute their own 1870 2 Cent Pieces, I recommend the following systematic approach:

1. Document the grade and certification — establish the baseline quality and authenticity
2. Examine under controlled lighting — use a single light source at 45 degrees to reveal die characteristics
3. Compare date position — measure the relationship between date digits and rim denticles
4. Search for die cracks — trace any raised lines connecting design elements
5. Check for die clashes — look for ghost impressions of reverse design on obverse, or vice versa
6. Photograph key markers — document distinctive features for comparison with known varieties
7. Consult reference materials — compare findings against published die marriage documentation

Tools of the Trade

Proper die marriage attribution requires appropriate equipment:

• 10x loupe minimum — for initial examination and marker identification
• 20-30x magnification — for detailed die crack and clash analysis
• Digital microscope — for comprehensive documentation and measurement
• Overhead camera setup — for consistent photographic records
• Reference collection — examples of known die marriages for comparison

Micro-Varieties: The Frontier of Two Cent Research

Beyond Basic Die Marriages

As I’ve delved deeper into 1870 Two Cent Piece research, I’ve identified what I term “micro-varieties”—distinctions so subtle that they may represent different die states of the same marriage rather than entirely separate pairings. These micro-varieties include:

• Progressive die break development — tracking how cracks expand through the die’s working life
• Die polishing evidence — identifying areas where mint technicians attempted to extend die life
• Strike characteristics variation — changes in metal flow as dies wore
• Adjustment mark presence — file marks from weight correction, visible only in early die states

The Significance for This Coin

For this particular PCGS MS65BN CAC example, the exceptional preservation means we can observe die characteristics that would be invisible on lower-grade specimens. The sharp strike details, minimal die wear evidence, and pristine surfaces suggest this coin was struck from relatively fresh dies—placing it in an early die state that may be significantly rarer than later-state examples of the same marriage.

Authentication and Certification: Protecting Your Investment

The Role of PCGS and CAC

The PCGS MS65BN grade with CAC verification provides essential authentication for this 1870 2 Cent Piece. CAC’s approval indicates that PCGS’s technical grade accurately reflects the coin’s quality within that grade—a crucial distinction for high-value numismatic material. However, neither PCGS nor CAC currently attributes specific die marriages for Two Cent Pieces, leaving this important identification work to specialized researchers.

Documenting Die Marriage Identity

I strongly recommend that collectors of significant Two Cent Pieces pursue independent die marriage attribution and maintain detailed documentation. This documentation should include:

1. High-resolution photographs — obverse, reverse, and detail shots of identifying markers
2. Die marker maps — annotated diagrams showing the location of distinctive features
3. Die state assessment — evaluation of where this example falls in the die’s working life
4. Comparative analysis — documentation of how this marriage differs from others
5. Provenance research — tracing ownership history when possible

Market Implications and Collecting Strategy

The Value of Variety Recognition

While the current market for this 1870 2 Cent Piece is driven primarily by its exceptional condition—PCGS MS65BN with CAC approval, pop 2 with none finer—proper die marriage attribution can add significant numismatic premium. Collectors who understand variety rarity often pay substantial premiums for coins that represent:

• Finest known examples of a rare die marriage
• Early die state specimens showing minimal die wear
• Die marriages with distinctive characteristics that appeal to variety specialists
• Coins with documented provenance linking them to famous collections or discoveries

Building a Comprehensive Set

As several forum members noted, completing a set of Two Cent Pieces in Mint State with CAC approval represents a significant collecting achievement. The 1871 and 1872 dates are particularly challenging in high grade, making this 1870 example an excellent foundation piece for such an ambitious project. When building a comprehensive set, I recommend:

1. Prioritizing die marriage diversity — seek different marriages within each date
2. Documenting die states — collect examples showing die progression
3. Maintaining condition consistency — build around a core grade level
4. Pursuing CAC approval — the sticker adds liquidity and market confidence
5. Recording variety information — maintain detailed attribution notes for each coin

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Die Marriage Research

This 1870 2 Cent Piece, graded PCGS MS65BN with CAC approval and representing just two known examples with none finer, exemplifies why die marriage research remains one of numismatics’ most rewarding pursuits. The coin’s gorgeous surfaces, clean fields, and attractive RB color for a BN designation speak to its exceptional preservation—but the story written in its dies speaks to something deeper.

Every die marriage represents a unique moment in minting history. The specific pairing of obverse and reverse dies that produced this coin existed for only a brief period before one or both dies were retired. The coins struck during that window carry an irreplaceable fingerprint of that moment—one that careful research can identify, document, and preserve for future generations of collectors.

For the advanced collector, the thrill of die marriage attribution lies not just in the identification itself, but in the connection it creates with the minting process. When I examine a coin like this 1870 2 Cent Piece, I’m not just looking at a beautiful example of 19th-century coinage—I’m reading the autobiography of the dies that created it. Every die crack tells a story of pressure and metal flow. Every clash mark records a moment when dies met without a planchet between them. Every subtle variation in design placement reveals the human hands that prepared these dies.

The 1870 2 Cent Piece may be an underappreciated series in the broader numismatic market, but for those who understand die marriages and variety significance, it offers extraordinary opportunities. This PCGS MS65BN CAC example, with its exceptional condition and potential for significant die marriage attribution, represents the pinnacle of what makes coin collecting endlessly fascinating: the pursuit of knowledge, rarity, and the stories that connect us to our numismatic heritage.

Whether you’re building a complete MS CAC set or simply seeking the finest example you can find, remember that the grade on the holder is just the beginning. The real story—the die marriage that makes your coin unique—awaits your discovery.

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