Die Varieties of the 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