Help me understand by telling me if I am getting this concept correctly. With EDS, coins with major clashes are rarer and more desirable due the fact that over time, clashes will become more muted and less dramatic from the dies being smoother or possibly repaired or more polished in later die stages. With LDS, die cracks are more desirable, prominent, and valuable as the die deteriorates and becomes more damaged. Am I on the right track here? Or is there something else that factors in? Thanks.
Yes, on the correct track. Just ask @dwhiz. HERE"S A START: EDS (Early Die State) and LDS (Late Die State) refer to the condition and wear of the die used to strike a coin, which affects the appearance of the coin itself. - EDS (Early Die State): This is when the die is new or has seen very little use. Coins struck in this state typically have very sharp, crisp details with strong, well-defined features. The design elements, such as letters and numbers, appear bold and clear. Collectors often prize EDS coins for their exceptional eye appeal and detail. - LDS (Late Die State): This occurs after the die has been used extensively. Coins struck in this state show signs of die wear, such as softened or flattened details, die cracks, chips, or scratches. The design elements may appear less sharp, and some fine details can be lost or blurred. In summary, EDS coins have sharper, more detailed features due to minimal die wear, while LDS coins show signs of die deterioration, resulting in less crisp details. The die state is separate from the coin’s grade or condition but can influence collector preference based on the coin’s visual appeal. For more detailed examples and photos of die states, you can visit: VarietyVista Die State Explanation (http://varietyvista.com/25 What Are Die Varieties/Die State.htm)
I want to try and answer your question but just can't type the words right. Most clashes are caught and polished out. If proper maintenance wasn't done to the press, the dies will clash again. It was often for the mint to take care of the problem before searching and picking the coins from circulation. The earliest of the variety is usually the one most sought after. Clashes are a lot of fun.
These are circulation finds. I wonder sometimes if any others will be found. 2020D. I don't think that these were struck but maybe a 100 apart, if that, I haven't passed up a 2020D in 4+ years. Looking for a 3rd. Hey Barney, you were probably referring to Morgans.
Yes, I was. As you have probably guessed, that's about all I collect. I was thinking about my question recently and wanted the more experienced collectors thoughts about it. LDS errors (cracked dies) are probably more prominent than EDS ones simply due to dies wearing out. But regarding clashes, it seems logical EDS errors (from dies hammering together without a planchet and damaging themselves) would be more pronounced earlier in the minting process. My guess is after minting a lot more coins, the clash marks would eventually flatten out, or get polished with maintenance workers repairing them. It's just my theory, and trying to understand which errors have more significance pertaining to coin values.
Barney, defining what constitutes EDS and or LDS is pretty cut and dried, and fairly simple. But, defining which is more desirable or more valuable - well, that is purely a matter of chocolate and vanilla. In other words, it depends on each individual's taste and which one they like more - if at all !
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 1922 1c No D is a case where you want LDS and not EDS for the obverse, but EDS on the reverse.
I am pretty much an Early Die State collector. I like sharp strikes and well defined design detail. If you are a die variety collector, die states, which is the study of die cracks, cuds, die rust, die senility and other forms of "wear out" can be the ban of your hobby. Collectors, especially those who are interested in early copper, love to line a set of die states. If it happens to be a rare variety, they can control the market for it, if they started early. The 1804 C-6 half cent is famous for die cuds on the reverse. The specialists argue how many die states there are, but it's a lot, well over 10. The trouble is a few collectors can soak up a bunch of them leaving far less pieces for others. The 1804 C-6 is fairly common, an R-2, variety, but the die state collectors and make it look tough.
