WHY MORE ERRORS/VARIETIES FROM PHILADELPHIA?

I Offer an explanation here:

https://coinweek.com/philadelphia-mint-errors-why-they-outnumber-denver-varieties/

 

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Excellent!

 

Excellent write-up and research Pete, very compelling.

Being in manufacturing with focus the last 20 years as a regional production engineer, there are four basic tenets: machinery/tooling, raw materials, manufacturing/material handling and maintenance/quality control. To be competitive in a tough market you have to be good at all four or you won't be in business. Obviously, the mint has no competition and no real focus other than to not lose money: as long as they are in the black, they can continue skating along.

Since you have spent the time and done the research, I wouldn't disagree with or argue against your conclusions. I would believe however that to see the extreme differences between the product quality of the two mints there is more going on besides just the tooling. I have photographed my entire collection twice; the first time over 15 years ago and again the last year and a half. My collection is US circulating coins since the late 19th century, and the last three decades are mostly from uncirculated mint sets. For the most part, Denver coins have more mirror/proof like finishes and strong strikes where the Philly coins tend to have more of a matte finish, a softer look. I'm not saying all, but usually when I want to look at a particular design I will find the better to be a Denver strike, specifically since the late 90's. I have always been of the belief that at least since the turn of the last century they have controlled their processes better out west than their older cousin in the east.

In your research did you find, or do you know, if both mints use the same presses, and do they use the same sources for the blanks? If those are the same, then the other two factors come more strongly into play; the actual manufacturing process, and how well they maintain the equipment and control the quality.

I find it interesting how you describe the mint allowing a degree of wear/fatigue to the dies, accepting a lower quality product - that is far and away the easiest way to make a cheaper product, just lower your standard!

 

Great read, and even though I comprehend much better in my older years, I am gonna have to read it again. As a variety and error collector I envy those that get Philly's instead of Denver.

 

The Mints both use the same presses. I assume they use the same sources for the rods out of which they cut the die blanks, but I do not have any documentation for that.

I am actively adding to my records of die retirements on a daily basis, but what I have published can be seen here. As can be seen in the attached spreadsheet, the same presses, for the most part are used at both mints. Of course these records do not overlap the time period I am referencing.

https://coinweek.com/certificates-of-authenticity-for-retired-u-s-mint-dies-what-the-records-reveal/

My work with feeder mechanisms, however, does confirm:

https://coinweek.com/feeder-mechani...-1990-2018-a-diagnostic-guide-for-collectors/

https://coinweek.com/feeder-mechanisms-and-feeder-mechanism-die-damage-patterns-2018-to-present/

 

You are not the first who has said this in response! Thank you!

Of course, a stronger strike would be more likely with a higher crown!

 

Thanks for the photo credit Pete. My wife even liked that.

 

I THANK YOU! Your coin fit! I appreciate your support!