| Author |
 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,671 |
|
|
Valued Member
Italy
216 Posts |
I was just looking to this 1889 p, that seems to have a far date and a high 9, and I have noticed this long die scratch (polishing line?) that goes through face and seems to start from the E. I couldn't find anything in 1889 p vamworld pages. What do you think about this?   |
|
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
Interesting, it does appear to be raised based on the lighting direction and shadow. I agree it's a far date and the 9 does appear raised but I've found that doesn't always mean it will be found under a slanted date listing evidenced by the VAM9 slanted date listing being possibly confused with the VAM38 far date listing. I can only suggest you treat it as if the die scratch line was not there and attribute it... Is there doubling in the ear? A lighting hot spot washes that area out.
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
637 Posts |
My first thought was PMD or planchet striation. The second tends to come in numbers so I ruled that out quickly. Then upon closer inspection it really does appear to be raised. Notice how the line is in the recessed part of the ear, but not so much on the raised areas. Very intriguing! Are you able to take a couple more close ups? |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
It's gotta either be a gnarly stright die crack or retained strikethrough right guys? Yes, very intriguing  |
|
Valued Member
 Italy
216 Posts |
Looking to buy this coin so I asked for more pics and waiting for them but it will take tomorrow.
Trying to attribute it looking to all far dates....but having a hard time with only bad pics .....and I really don't like doubled ear..
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
That's a pretty serious die scratch not to have been listed before. I hope it's a great new find for you.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
WOW! That's a new one for me. If I had to guess, it looks like a really bad die scratch. I don't know what it would take to do that, as the dies are quite hard. If it had fallen off the shelf and hit something along the way, I would expect the second scratch, above the cap ribbon, to be parallel. It is more likely that it is a planchet flaw, possibly envolving lamination issues in the early stages or included gas bubbles made linear by mechanical means. If it were mine, I would do a die study. Determine the VAM. Find as many others like it. Rather than spending a fortune in time and money, I would search auction photos, etc. See where your coin fits in the progression of die wear, and cracks can be useful here. Look at coins made from later stages of die wear. If the scratch is apparent, it is in the die. If it isn't, it is in the planchet. If there are no later die examples, yours may be in the final stage of retirement due to die damage. Or, you could send it to one of the experts for a better opinion. Keep us posted. |
|
Valued Member
Italy
216 Posts |
Die study for me it's too much...I'm just a newbie vammer (from Italy). I just buy nice Morgan dollars that seems to be interesting VAMS and try to attribute VAM myself and with ccf and vamworld discussion board help. I think I have to study hard before doing a die study... However, first i'll try to buy this coin and with better pics i'll try to attribute it and then i'll call for help!! I'll keep you up to date with new pics. Thanks |
|
Valued Member
United States
220 Posts |
This one is a conundrum to me, but alas I will go with the majority opinion and suggest it looks to be in the die. I would go for it.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
149 Posts |
At first, it just looks like a big scratch on the coin, but based on how it shows up in recessed areas, a die scratch is plausible. The thing is, if it's a die scratch, then it's really odd that if hasn't been reported before, given how prominent it is. Also, something like a knife cut, rather than an incidental scratch, would also show up in the recessed areas and possibly wear off the high points. I'd have to see this in hand.
|
|
Valued Member
Italy
216 Posts |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
220 Posts |
If it is in the die, looks like the sharp edge went from viewers right to left.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
149 Posts |
Better picture looks like a knife was dragged across it.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
That last picture really shows that this is a scratch made by a thin piece of metal.
|
| |
Replies: 13 / Views: 1,671 |
|
Posted 02/19/2016 5:11 pm
