Die Gouge On A 1984-D Lincoln Cent

A pic would help try and get a pic up please
JAZEC

You should be able to take adequate pics with that camera, I have a four year old Nikon Coolpix 4600 4mp with 3x optical zoom and this is the result at less than 100kb

The key is to use a copystand or tripod and good direct lighting(but no glare)

coppercoins said:



Isn't that an over-generalization? The speared bison is commonly referred to as a die gouge or crack "error", and there is a premium on the coin. I didn't speculate or ask about the premium on such a coin, but to address your sweeping and unsolicited statement, if someone will pay a $1600 premium on an oversized cornflake that supposedly resembles the Virgin Mary--but not really, as shown in the image of the cornflake shown on the news interview of the buyer, who admitted that it didn't bare a resemblance--then you can probably fetch a premium on a penny with a gouge, crack, bubble, etc., that traces the path of the fatal bullet in the Lincoln assassination, as depicted in a supposedly accurate sketch of the Lincoln assassination. Of course, accounts of the bullet's path and Lincoln's wounds vary, but that is not the point.

Due to my inability to adequately photograph the coin--which I explained--and also probably due to my description and possible misuse of terminology, a few have been quick to call this a gas bubble. I've seen photographs of both die gouges and bubbles, and the anomaly on this particular coin more closely matches the die gouge variety. I called it a die gouge, yet not one response accepted my assessment, which was only intended to clarify my questions. I didn't ask for an identification of an error, variety or whatever-you-want-to-call-it either, and I wouldn't expect anyone to identify the anomaly without a photograph or physical inspection.

I did ask whether anyone had seen a 1984-D Lincoln Cent as I described it and for an opinion on the rarity or commonality of the penny with what resembles a die gouge, all the way across the coin, through Lincoln's head, as I described it. Is it not a valid question? Did I not express the question clearly? Or does my status as a new member of this forum require a hazing?

I don't mean to be rude. I had read quite a few posts before joining the forum, and I decided it might be a friendly place to ask a question about what I thought was a common interest. It is confusing to be welcomed with such non-responses, conclusion-jumping, assumptions and over-generalizations. Other than by posting a photograph that I don't have, how could I have asked my questions more effectively?

rockdude said:



rockdude, I made some observations. How does that qualify as getting bent out of shape--an unfair accusation? In my original post, did I not mention that my attempts to photograph the penny had failed? The first two posts then suggested that I should offer photographs. In my next response, did I not state that I would be thrilled to offer a photograph, as soon as I had a good photograph? Again, you're asking for a photo. Why the impatience? Is it a prerequisite to asking a question and receiving an answer? I'd be happy to share, but either my poor photography skills are not up to snuff or my camera is inadequate, as I previously suggested.

You suggested that I use the macro setting. Was that an assumption that I hadn't? Did you ask whether or not I had tried the macro setting? I did. I consulted the camera's user guide. I researched photographing coins. I tried the macro setting. I tried different aperture settings. I tried different lighting. It takes time to learn. I am willing to invest the time. I am willing to ask questions. Did I not ask about the minimum suggested equipment? I did. biokemist6 offered that my PowerShot might be adequate, but I've had some difficulty proving or disproving that.

Should I just post the best photograph that I have managed to take, when I know that it is hardly adequate? Is a photograph even germane to my question: How rare or common is a 1984-D Lincoln Cent, with what resembles a die gouge from one end, through Lincoln's head, to the other end? Sure, it would help to offer a visual to go along with my description. Yes, I realized that it would help before I originally posted, and I implied that I understood that it would be helpful to share what I did not have. But having it is a prerequisite to sharing it. My girlfriend's father has a much nicer camera--and I'm sure that he would help me--but we haven't visited him between my original post and now, so I haven't seen him to ask for his help.

Is a 1984-D die gouge a physical impossibility? Is it so impossible that describing a 1984 penny with an anomaly resembling a die gouge nullifies a question about the rarity of something resembling a die gouge on a 1984 penny? The zinc blank is plated with copper before being cut into planchets and stamped with 40 tons of force, etc. Perhaps it is impossible to crack the die. What do I know?

Or do you just want proof of something that you can't believe, so that you can find me, kill me and take my penny? ;)

Attached is the best photograph that I have managed thus far. Maybe it is enough for you. Maybe it suggests what I'm doing incorrectly in my attempts to photograph the penny. It's more likely a waste of bandwidth to post it before managing to take a better photograph.

rockdude taunted:



I don't quite know how to respond to that. Is this your culture's protocol for male bonding? Do you need a friend, rockdude? Or are you suggesting that the two of us probably can't communicate on any level and that attempting to do so would be a futile endeavor? Should I respond in kind? Is an attempt at polite conversation and understanding unacceptable in this community?

I really don't get it. I gave you what you asked, and you think I need medication. Why so hostile? Or should we just blame it on the economy?

stranger, more information on this particular variety is not possible. Simple reason, it'e not considered a variety at all. Most of us who go through lots of Lincoln Cent rolls have found these "bullet path" coins and already posted them. From what I can see, your picture suggests this is nothing more than gas forming under the plating. Since this is a very common occurance, no extra premium applies to the coin. Charles has seen hundreds of these, thus the answer he gave. Once you get to understand Charles, a simple four letter answer like "junk", says as much as a thousand word picture.

What you may possibly have is a retained die crack or break if it;s exstending from rim to rim by the composite it looks like that they do bring a premium if that;s what you have.
JAZEC