I know that the date looks to be MD, but what about the rest of the letters on the reverse? I don't want to sound standoffish but I would like to know about the other letters too. Please don't take any offense to this.
It may look like a doubled die, but it is unfortunately a type of MD that affects incuse elements. Check out this link for a full explanation. http://numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ad=article&ArticleId=1734 Keep up the hunt!
Oh, you would call me on the carpet and make me search. I think it is Wexler's, but I will double check.
I apologize. I gave out wrong info. Die deterioration does not lead to MD (I suppose there may be exceptions). However, as a general rule, MD and DD are different. Thanks Simon for bringing that to my attention in a very diplomatic way.
No problem Dave. I just hadn't heard it before, and was curious if it was true or not. It's all a learning experience.
So then what does cause MD? I know I can look it up but I think a better explanation comes from hearing ones interpretation.
MD occurs when the dies become loose and you have this kind of bounce that occurs upon strike. To remedy thi, the mint people just tighten the dies and things are back to normal again.
Pretty much what lonegunlawyer said. The difference between typical MD and the MD found on this coin is that on a normal die, the design is incuse so that the elements are raised when the coin is struck. However, if you want to make incuse elements on a coin, such as the words on this one, the elements on the die must be raised. Therefore, if the die bounces again, it would produce a second close set of incuse elements that mimmic what one would find on a doubled die.
If the dies become loose and strike a few thousand coins before it is noticed, it is likely many of those coins will end up in the same bags and rolls because they were struck at the same time.
