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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,478 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
Scratches look unusual to me. What do you think - someone playing games?   "Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12254 Posts |
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What do you think - someone playing games? I think it's impossible to ID the motivation behind the scratches (at least for me), but their depth makes me think they aren't completely accidental. If you are considering purchasing the coin, I would recommend against it. There are plenty of non-damaged Monroe Doctrine half dollars out there to choose from - a nicer one can be found without much effort. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3323 Posts |
Thanks, @Commems. No, not looking to purchase, just wondering about those scratches. They looked purposeful - going through the date and certain parts of the legend.
For a second, I was considering that one or two of these may be the result of a die crack, but I've since determined them to be incuse based on lighting. This coin is up for auction on Wednesday and I will not be bidding.
Have you ever heard of die cracks on any of these classic commemoratives?
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2843 Posts |
maybe staples from 2X2 removal.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6507 Posts |
 Look like scratches to me |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
The staple scratch theory is a good one.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12254 Posts |
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Have you ever heard of die cracks on any of these classic commemoratives? Yes, a number of the classic-era issues are known to have die cracks. Here's one example:  Die cracks are visible on the reverse of my Isabella, running through the tops of the letters beginning with the in "D" in "BOARD" and running through the "G" in "MANAGERS". I've also seen die cracks on the reverse of the 1920 Pilgrim Tercentenary. Regarding the source of the scratches on the 1923 Monroe half dollar you posted, a staple scratch is certainly a possibility though it wouldn't be my first guess. I've personally never seen a confirmed staple scratch that is as deep as what is seen on the coin presented. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6514 Posts |
I must say though that it's a really cool looking coin. I particularly like the reverse. I've never seen that particular commemorative before.
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Moderator
United States
15389 Posts |
Those are scratches and not mint issued defects. Steer away from this example as there are plenty of nice problem free Monroe to choose from. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
These are intentional looking. I would not be bidding unless it is going dirt cheap.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12813 Posts |
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I particularly like the reverse. I've never seen that particular commemorative before. Why does she have a plumb bob in her hand? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12254 Posts |
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Why does she have a plumb bob in her hand? To get the scoop on the coin's design, check out: - Queen Isabella Quarter - Coins with Hands Thread - Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12813 Posts |
Of course I defer to commems' expertise here, but it sure looks like a plumb bob to me.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
It does look like a plumb bob. Maybe she is looking for a well?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
Appreciate the replies. Now I will be interested to find other die anomalies on this series. There were a few designs with appreciable mintage figures, so opportunity for tired dies.
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,478 |
Posted 07/19/2021 1:26 pm
