Looking closely at two of my 1971D Ikes,noticed some slight variation between the two. Outer edge reading is quite different. Details and finishing not quite the same, and one reverse showing a depression mark just lateral to tail feathers similar to location, shape and size as that shown in 1971S prototype photos. There are examples of 1971 Sanfrancisco and Philadelphia prototypes - could one of these be the Denver variety?
I believe the indented area behind the tail is a reed mark.
The reeds do look a bit different. Could that be explained by strike pressure forcing the reeds deeper on the lower coin? The flatter reeds on the top coin seem shallower. Alternately, could it just be circulation wear from slot machine usage or daily wear?
possibly a worn collar providing a weaker reeded edge. the Ike on the right seems to show less details when compared to the left one. Possibly due to wear, maybe circulation flattening of the reeds?
The 1971S prototype has the mark raised as it would be stamped into the die. Your 1971D dollar shows the mark incuse due to damage. It can't be a prototype as the mark would have to be raised.
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