Bill Fivaz comment:

Although neither a repunched date nor a doubled die, this variety is quite unique (actually -unique). The reverse die of this coin has actually been clashed with the reverse die of a ! How did this happen? The theory is, as set forth in an article by Tom DeLorey in the 6/1/1977 Collector's Clearninghouse, that Theodore Eckfeldt, a 20-year old night watchman at the Philadelphia Mint in 1857 was the culprit. Young Eckfeldt was one of the sons of George Eckfeldt, who was then foreman of the engraving room at the Mint, and just one in a long line of Eckfeldts who were associated with the Mint in some important capacity since 1830.

In his position as night watchman, Theodore had access to all areas of the Mint, including the important die vault. It should be mentioned at this point that this same young man was caught in 1858 selling quantities of pattern coins, retrikes of rare date issues and even 1804 dollars (!) to dealers at bargain prices. These facts provide the three necessary parts of the well-founded theory that Theodore Eckfeldt was in fact the person responsible for these two coins...he had the - access to the dies and necessary equipment with which to strike the unauthorized coins; he had the - greed; and he had the - any night when no one else was around.

The "semi-uniqueness" is true due to one other coin, an 1857 Flying Eagle cent, which exhibits clash marks on the obverse from the obverse die of another denomination, a ! Although several specimens are known of the latter, only two of this Seated Liberty 25c variety have been reported to date.

The "E" of "CENT" is seen backwards in the middle of the shield, with the bottom of the "T" of that same word beneath the left wing (lookng at the coin). The upper right corner of the "N" and the upper left corner of the "E" of "ONE" can be seen, again backward, above the eagle's shoulder and below the head. The wreath of corn, tobacco, etc, is visible on either side of the eagle and over its head.