1963-D Lincoln Weak Strike?

Thank you; that helped refine some of my thinking.

 

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Up to this point I had assumed minting was straight forward. Now I marvel that most coins are well formed. But it also makes collecting coins more interesting. Thank you mikediamond for your details.

 

I see coins from that era with the L inside the rim all day long.

 

mikediamond-

I was reading back thru your reply and article. "GREASE" - You talk about grease and viscosity. Is grease a part of the minting process? If not, how does grease get into the die?

 

We really don't know for sure, but there are a number of suspects. Planchets have a very thin film of oil; handle a bagful of bright, uncirculated cents and your fingers will become dirty. The dies can theoretically pick up and accumulate this film. Components of the die assembly are probably lubricated, and this could flow down toward the die face. Grime can accumulate in the guts of the press and this can fall out into the striking chamber, where it's later picked up by the dies.

 

Brilliant explanation! Thank you! I can visualize that happening as I read your detailed feedback. You really are the go-to guy! tj

 

rlm's, @SuperDave The scale just arrived. What should it weigh?

 

3.11 grams.

 

Standby.......

 

It shows 3.0

 

You mean 3.00 gm? You bought a scale that reads 0.01 gm. That is not likely enough difference to make that strike. Besides, Mike is THE expert.

 

Well, it's close enough to figure it for a normal planchet, eliminating some niche possibilities.

 

Yes, 3.00

 

What should the normal weight for the 63-D?

 

Um, the same 3.11g as the last time you asked.

 

I knew that......just testing you.

 

So a correct weight in a good collar and a full strike *process* at least - nice and sharp at the periphery - lends credence to Mike's explanation of how the coin came to be. Everything else was nominal and the grease had to go somewhere. After that it was all physics.

 

So in addition to yours and Mike's detailed feedback, not only do I have a coin worth keeping but I have a brand new scale. Now I'll be looking for other questionable coins to weigh. I need a life!

 

You'll be more trained for the next bout.