coop, we need to debate this one. I've seen the " Struck Through Grease" used many times on this forum and that is not correct. Since the die is conical in shape, and hits the planchet in the center first, this would allow a normal amount of lubricant to be pushed to the sides of the coin being struck. Over the lifetime of the die use, a certain amount of grease, dirt, metal bits and what ever else is floating around the mint collects in the incuse areas of the die and hardens. Thus the metal flow is not allowed to fill these devices creating the flat and enlarged looking lettering. Perhaps using "struck through a debris filled die" would be more appropriate answer to these questions. Thanks, CJ Perhaps Charles, Mike or someone more knowing would like to add or subtract to this subject.
The lighting may be throwing me off on this one. It appears that the branches of the tree are faint to almost missing. The same on the WE TRUST. In the field under DOLLAR you can see heavy die flow appearing. The QUARTER looks very weak. That is what I've noticed about this coin. So it may be a combination of struck through grease/heavy die wear or even abrasion from cleanings. So it may be a combination of things on this coin.
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