The difference die break or a scratch

How do I tell the difference between a die break and a scratch

 

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A Die Break is raised on the field of the coin. The break is on the Die iteslf so the metal from the blank that is being struck goes into the break.

A scratch is incused into the coin.

But something that looks like a scratch could be a Strike Through from a foreign object.

 

There are also die scratches, which would be raised.

 

Yes.. And the scratches and also gouges are on the Die.
Just want to clarify

 

Raised good, incuse bad

 

This is NOT ALWAYS true. What does "Hub Polish" look like on a coin?

 

This is not always true. What does "Hub Polish" look like on a coin?

 

Coins cut with a razor or knife can push metal upwards and can mimic die breaks or gouges quite well especially with a little circulation afterward...

 

I been trying to get a good picture but it doesn't show up in pics it looks all the like the spitting horse error it is a super straight line going through the back of George's head on a 1972 quarter I'll keep trying to take pics

 

Anyone have an image of Hub Polish?

 

I'll get one. Commonly seen on '07 Saints, $10 Indian feathers, 1915-S Pan Pac slugs, etc.

When a hub is polished it leaves incuse lines on the design. These are transferred as raised lines to the die. That leaves incuse polish lines on the struck coin. Make sense?

 

you can't tell in the pic but the scratch comes out the bottom of Buffalo behind his genitalia

 

Is it just a scratch I think it is but I'm not sure I'm still trying to get clear pic of the quarter I found with a may or may not be die scratch