The obverse WE shows the “W” is placed Higher ( out of line) with the E, and the “D” in GOD is smeared downward. THE reverse has a small Cud on the top left of monument. I haven’t seen this error posted for the 1959 Cent. I will get the reverse posted later, I just noticed I hadn’t taken a picture. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi TAH , the perceived mis-alignment of the W and E in WE is such a common thing that it would be hard for me to point out a penny that it is not on. It is not considered a mint error. The "smeared" D is not a mint error. It is variously referred to as strike doubling, machine doubling, or die deterioration doubling, depending on the actual cause. Smeared letters can happen when a part of the striking mechanism is loose and, at the moment of strike, a very small movement causes a slight "smear" look to the strike. This happens more often than you think and is not considered a mint error. BTW, your 1st photo is somewhat out of focus and your 2nd is partially covered by the enlargement window, so it's kinda difficult to see that D clearly. Without actually seeing what you have on the reverse of your coin, I can't actually give you a "fer sure" answer, but generally speaking, a cud is found on the rim of the coin, a die break is found in the interior (away from the rim) part of the coin. However, they are typically formed the same way : A crack or hole or missing piece occurs on the die and when the planchet (coin blank) is struck, the metal of the blank is forced into that space, thus forming a cud or a die break. Depending on the shape, size and/or location, they can have a slight premium, though most are not valuable at all. I hope that explanation helps, but to provide more "food for thought" and a reference source you can avail yourself of anytime, I will provide a very useful link. Remember to look on the left side of the page at the topic list and choose the topic most useful for addressing your question. Wexler's Coins and Die Varieties With all of that said, I want to thank you for your post and your multi-faceted question, and as a new Member, I want to Welcome you to Coin Talk !!
I'm going to copy and paste everything you have just stated for the next hundred threads that are created with the same questions!
Seriously, Paddy? That's good enough for YOUR approval? THAT means a whole heck of a lot. I'm learning most of this stuff from you, paddy. I pay close attention to your replies because you have the knowledge and you give it in an understanding and RESPECTFUL way. Thanks again, paddy. Please don't hesitate to set me straight when I need it.
Welcome to CT. Not an error. Not a cud. This is a Cud. As for the alignment of the W and E, not an issue as it's fairly common.
NEVER !! This is a spirited discussion in an attempt to reach a consensus on the OPs original question, and an effort to provide meaningful insight on an often asked question to anyone and everyone interested. What about it Mike.....You In ? lol
Completely understood! “Spirited discussion” need to happen time to time. I follow this forum everyday, even hours at a time. I see It can get irritating to answer the same question over and over. But I do find myself chuckling every now and then on some of these post and reply’s and that’s why I love this site. Educational, informative, Hilarious, and irritating.. got to love it!!!! But wait, I have a 1997 quarter with no mint mark. What is the value and grade???
