Some Die Varieties of the Jersey 1888 Penny

January 2, 2024

For the 1888 penny there are seven die varieties consisting of four obverse dies paired with five reverse dies. Variety 1-C is the most common.

1888 Penny
Obverse	Reverse

Obverse 1:
- The top left ray of the star is broken.
- This broken ray can also be seen on the 1877 Proof only Royal Mint issue and the 1881 issue.
Obverse 1S:
- Similar to type 1 but striations are also visible.
Obverse 2:
- The top left ray of the star is complete.
Obverse 3S:
- The top left ray of the star is reworked and striations are visible.

Reverse A:
- The 88 is misaligned.
Reverse B:
- The 88 is near the letter N.
Reverse C:
- The 88 is well aligned.
Reverse D:
- The 88 is slightly out of alignment with a large gap between the 8s.
Reverse E:
- The 88 is in a lower position relative to the letter N.

For more close up images of this coin,
see under the microscope page.

Obverse Dies: The Star
Broken Ray
Complete Ray
Reworked Ray

Reverse Dies: The Date
Uneven 88
88 Near N
The Straight 88
Large Spacing Between the 8s
Low 88

Return to Part 4: Twelve Pence to a Shilling -- Queen Victoria