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 spacing between the eight and the letter N is 1.32 mm.
- The spacing between the digits is 0.40 mm.
- The 88 is misalgined.
- Reverse B:
- The spacing between the eight and the letter N is 1.01 mm.
- The spacing between the digits is 0.49 mm.
- The 88 is misalgined.
- Reverse C:
- The spacing between the eight and the letter N is 1.32 mm.
- The spacing between the digits is 0.37 mm.
- The 88 is well aligned.
- Reverse D:
- The spacing between the eight and the letter N is 1.32 mm.
- The spacing between the digits is 0.42 mm.
- The 88 is slightly out of alignment.
- Reverse E:
- The spacing between the eight and the letter N is 1.38 mm.
- The spacing between the digits is 0.42 mm.
- The 88 is in a lower position relative to the letter N.
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The spacings are measured between the digits and between the center of the last eight and the N.
|
Obverse Dies:
The Star
|
Broken Ray
|
 |
Complete Ray
|
 |
Reworked Ray
|
 |
|
Reverse Dies: The Date
|
Uneven 88 |
 |
88 Near N |
 |
The Straight 88 |
 |
Large Spacing Vetween the 8s |
 |
Low 88 |
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