Can clashing obliterate a mintmark?

Just curious. Or can any other non-PMD process do this? Actually hoping I see a mintmark on a coin in an area that looks heavily clashed/polished. If so, what would be the most likely candidates for this this type of mishap?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Would be better if you posted some pictures of what you see and what you are talking about.

 

It depends o the coin, the missing FG on a 69d cent, is because of a heavily abraded die. Post some photos,

 

The most notable example of this that comes to mind for me is the 1922-D Plain/No-D Lincoln Cent. Overzealous die polishing left the mint mark entirely absent. As for clashing? I suppose it is possible, but not likely. The amount of clash needed to render a mint mark invisible would likely destroy the dies or leave them so damaged that their product would be unacceptable and not make it to circulation.

 

To answer this question, you must look at what is present on the reverse die in the area of the MM.

 

OK. Thanks everyone for input. Wanted some responses without the bias of looking at a pic. Here is what I'm looking at. Was hoping this was more plausible on gold due to the softness of the metal.

Sorry for the quality of some of the pics. Was experimenting with lighting to help y'all see the clashing I am seeing. At time it looks like I can see a 'C' or 'D' (or nothing). Obviously that is wishful thinking. Kinda looks like a shadow 'C' on the obverse right in front of LIBERTY. I am located in NC and this came in an old collection I bought long ago, so by proximity I am overly optimistic is could be an obliterated MM. Probably just a Philly one though. Left the date of to leave a little mystery....

 

The mint mark on the $5 Coronet Head is pretty prominent.
Even if it took a hit you would still be able to make it out. This is most likely a Philly
with some minor post mint hits (cleaning?) in that area.
But I have been wrong before.

 

Hopefully it has not been cleaned. Until I can get some better pics, it looks like multiple clashes with some rotation on the multiple clashes. Not sure if that really adds to it as I have seen clashing/polishing on other half eagles, though to a lesser degree. I do think it is a Philly, but had to ask since you know a 'C' or 'D' could really up the value on these.

Think this is worth slabbing? Guessing it would need to be a AU50 or higher to be worth it (besides the fact of authenticating it's real gold and an authentic coin). My thought is this is maybe an XF, unless the clashing has me under grading it. BTW I am no good at grading.

Thanks again for all the input and knowledge.