Why Are Letters At Top Of Penny-Reverse Often So Weak

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,426
flynvfr New Member United States 25 Posts	Posted 09/24/2012 12:15 pm After pouring through 1,000's of memorial pennies, I've noticed that a "relatively" large percent have weak to very, very weak stamping of certain letters at the top of the reverse side. Most often affected are the "ES" in STATES, the "oF" and the "AM" in AMERICA. The oF is the worst of the bunch, sometimes to the extent that it's barely visible. This observation appears to be independent of the year, is not due to wear (seen on some BC coins), and appears to my eye to be some sort of minting issue. Anyone seen this, and if so, do you have an explanation? Wish I could attach a pic, but no good camera at my disposal. Cheers Report this Post to the Staff

biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 09/24/2012 6:15 pm That area on the reverse is on the opposite side of the point of highest relief on the coin- the shoulder/base of bust. If the strike is a bit weak, then that reverse area will not have full details since the metal tends to expand into the largest void(the bust) as the coin is struck. Report this Post to the Staff
flynvfr New Member United States 25 Posts	Posted 09/26/2012 09:08 am Nice answer. So is there any significance to this as it relates to collecting? Or do these coins simply go into the pile with the rest of the normal, searched coins. In other words, any potential value? Report this Post to the Staff
flynvfr New Member United States 25 Posts	Posted 09/26/2012 09:36 am Same issue for "E" in E Pluribus ......., especially if the letters in STATE above appear normal. Just another case of point relief? Report this Post to the Staff
biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 09/26/2012 12:57 pm Yes, the bust base covers that whole area at the top of the reverse above the Memorial. There is nothing collectible about them and someone seeking a nice date example would look for one with a better strike. Report this Post to the Staff
Harry213 Pillar of the Community United States 1096 Posts	Posted 09/27/2012 7:55 pm Strange coincidence..Just earlier I was looking at some with the weak "OF" and was wondering the very same things. Good info thanks Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,426

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