A nice original Uncirculated example of this scarcer variety, about four times more difficult to find than the Mintmark Below Wreath. Fortin-105, known for the weak detail and “broken” Obverse lettering, as the die had been in heavy use and began to break down. The Reverse die also had some issues, as it began to crack and a cud started to form on the rim at 9:00 (enlarged image shown). While a bit better struck (or perhaps the correct term is “not as messed up”) than some examples, correctly graded taking into account the mushy detail and light scattered marks. Still, a nice looking coin and an example of this odd Mintmark placement, most likely due to an inexperienced Mint employee rather than a conscious attempt at trying something different.

PCGS 4677.62/40551281