Reverse & Flate Base Lettering On Pennies

Interesting that no one knows anything about these coins....

I have seen something very similar to that on US Capped Bust half dollars. Those coins were struck from 1807-1836 and I believe the effect is attributed to die wear. However, those half dollars were not struck in a collar so that allowed more spread when the planchet was struck which in turn would accelerate die wear.

Your link doesn't work but hopefully the one below does.

http://www.triton.vg/lettering.html

I am collecting variety and error Pennies and have searched for examples of both lettering types. I remember seeing some writings on a train of thought that had an explanation for some of the flat/curved base lettering. It also had a model of how the metal flows into the legends of the die and if insufficient striking force was applied then the result was curving of the bases of the lettering. I would have thought it would also apply to the tops of the letters such as "T" but haven't seen any examples of that. That's not to say that the cause of some of the partially curved bases are not because of the above.

I do know that there are coins that seem to be in "limbo" ie; not falling into either category, so perhaps these are the result of the above process. Some Pennies clearly show a flat or a curved base and are easily to identify as such. I generally look at the "L's" first as they should show a distinct wave in the base if they are curved base letters. After you have looked through several thousand coins it becomes more easy. Cheers.