Posted 10/07/2009 5:53 pm
It depends on the date.
Of course wear always shows first on the highest points of any coin. The easiest way to identify these points is to tip the coin back and forth between you and a good light source. A 100W incandescent bulb is a good one. Tip it until it's actually sideways and watch what rises up as you slowly tip it to see straight on.
On all the reverses it will be the top of the shield. These high points are also the last part of the coin to fill when they are struck so most prone to having planchet flaws. They are also the first things to pick up scratches and friction usually as well.
Of course wear always shows first on the highest points of any coin. The easiest way to identify these points is to tip the coin back and forth between you and a good light source. A 100W incandescent bulb is a good one. Tip it until it's actually sideways and watch what rises up as you slowly tip it to see straight on.
On all the reverses it will be the top of the shield. These high points are also the last part of the coin to fill when they are struck so most prone to having planchet flaws. They are also the first things to pick up scratches and friction usually as well.
Time don't fly, it bounds and leaps.
