1849 9 Over 6

The 1849 9 Over 6 overdate half dime shows a 9 punched over a 6 in the final digit of the date. The Mint reused an 1846 die (the key-date year) and updated the final numeral by overpunching. Traces of the underlying 6 are visible beneath the 9 on well-preserved examples, creating a doubled impression that specialists can identify under magnification. The variety is one of two 1849 overdate types, with the second being the 1849 Over Widely Placed 6.

The 9/6 overdate is particularly interesting because the underlying 6 comes from an 1846 die, the key date of the series. This means that the 1849/6 variety is technically struck from a repurposed key-date die, preserving the original 1846 die within the 1849 coin. The variety is cataloged as a distinct die marriage and collected separately from the standard 1849.

Identification requires examining the final digit of the date under magnification. On well-preserved examples in Fine or better, the underlying 6 is visible as a curved shadow beneath the 9. On heavily worn coins, the overdate can be ambiguous, and certification by a major grading service provides the most reliable attribution. The variety carries a meaningful premium over the standard 1849.