I found 4 of these in the last week or so, and never noticed this die chip before. It’s in the 10:00 o’clock position almost touching the first “9”. Has anybody else seen or heard of this one? Thanks.
They don't look exactly the same to me. Are they raised or recessed? If they are recessed, they would probably be circulation damage. Chris
They are all similar, but not exactly alike. It's possible that they could be part of a die progression, but you would have to find a marker(s) on the obverse die that is exactly alike on all four coins that would link them together. Chris
As a suggestion, it is best if you respond to @paddyman98 by clicking on the "Reply" that is within his post or by "tagging" him as I have done above. I say this because there are many of us on these forums that post many, many times each day, and it is very easy for us to miss a follow-up when we aren't alerted to it. Chris
I had to set this project aside while I had my surgery. But, I found a 5th coin with what I think is a die chip in the same exact location (adjacent to the first 9 in 1991). Chris suggested I find a marker that would link them all together and I found it. The letters "ST" in "TRUST" are mushy and flatter on all 5 coins. I've included closeups of all 5 coins. @paddyman98 @cpm9ball Others? Comments please...
@TexAg While the weakness of the "ST" on each coin is similar, it is not a very good marker for comparison. Note how the "Y" in LIBERTY varies in definition. The problem is that a grease-filled die can lose or gain composition as additional planchets are struck. Chris
Thanks for the input and help @cpm9ball . I looked back through an AU tube of 1991-P Kennedys I have put together over the last 2 years and found my 6th one. Again with the same die chip and weak ST in "TRUST". I understand your concern about selecting a marker based on weak lettering since it could be due to a grease filled die, which may not be consistent across all coins. But, unfortunately that is the best secondary marker I can find, and it is present on all 6 coins. Getting back to my main point - I have now found 6 coins with the same apparent die chip in exactly the same location causing a similar raised bump on all of the coins. That's too much repetition to be coincidence. So, my next question is: Who do I turn to if I want to have it researched to see if it is a new variety? Comments appreciated!
It is unlikely that any variety specialist would choose to attribute such a minor anomaly. That is just my opinion, but you are welcome to try. If you do, I would sure like to know the outcome. Thanks, Chris
