Portrait 1 with Beads, "Narrow Date", Repunched "8, 9 and S"

This is perhaps the more interesting of the two Portrait 1 Varieties because of its extensive Repunching and Re-engraving to the Reverse Side legend. These modifications would suggest that the dies had either been previously used or they were not yet suitable for the production of quality coins! By making these changes, the mint could ensure that the life of a particular die could be extended while producing strongly struck coins. Without a doubt, the easiest way to identify this particular variety is to check for the presence of a cluster of "Dots" or "Beads" between the Queen's neck and the knot of hair. This unusual phenomenon can be very easily seen without the need for a magnifier. Like the previous "Narrow" Date example, some of the Reverse side Lettering and Numerals also exhibit definite signs of having been modified. Of particular interest, is the letter "S" and the numbers "8" and "9", all of which display these extensive alterations. In this instance, these changes are much more noticeable than those of the previous variety and as a result, the identification of these two Portrait 1 varieties is fairly easy. Both of these variances leave behind one nagging question: Were there any coins originally minted from the original Unaltered dies?