If they're raised, they are probably scratches or gouges on the die. If they are recessed, the marks are PMD on the coin. Chris
Is the E PLURIBUS UNUM incused or raised above the field on this coin type? (It looks raised, but I can't remember if some of the lettering is like the National park quarters). If it's raised, then why don't the scratches go through the N in UNUM?
I'm a big fan of William of Ockham and my first thought was obvious PMD, but the N is bothering me. Looking for a good explanation on what I'm missing if it's PMD.
I am really new and learning so excuse me but what is PMD. I plan to get some books but right now I have coins all over my house just looking and learning..lol
raised or incused, wouldn't the scratches be on top if it were PMD? I added another picture at a different angle...
From that angle it looks like metal in the N could have been displaced by a scratch. Still not 100% convinced but leaning strongly towards PMD
To me the arks on the cabin look like damage. The marks through UNUM looks like a die scratch or gouge.
That explains it. Scratch. Sorry for dragging it out, UNUM looked in relief and I didn't bother to dig through my stuff to find one and compare
something to keep in mind is that if the scratches are below devices, like they are with UNUM, the marks could also be on the hub (which would make the marks incused on the coin just like damage would).
In this statement I was just explaining PMD. I could tell from your first pics that it went under the N. I have a quarter or a nickel that has this same thing under the letters along the rim. My guess was that the planchet already had the mark...but I dunno. Im holding onto mine.
The marks on the OPs coin look to be hub gouges as they seem to go under devices. If they were raised, I would say die polish marks, but since they are incused, and don't continue through the devices (as damage would) I would say that they are hub polishing gouges.
