Are these statements correct? 1) Die cracks develop in late die states. 2)Late die state coins exhibit less details than early strikes. 3) Late die state coins should not grade higher than early die state coins.
I would say a more correct statement would be "die cracks are more likely to develop in later die states." There are plenty of examples of brand new dies with cracks, due to a flaw in the manufacturing process. Yes, this is usually true. The die is being worn as it strikes coins over its life. The effect is the crisp details tend to become softer. Luster quality will also change over the life of a die. Additionally, clashes may develop, or mint workers will pull a die and polish it. Excessive polishing is the cause for things like 3-legged buffalos. I can't make that statement definitively. As mentioned earlier, the detail of the coin may be different - but TPG's don't really punish this during grading. However, as the luster changes, certain types of luster appear more attractive and will thus earn a higher grade. Now, whether that happens at beginning of life, mid die state, or late die state? That's up to you as a grader to decide which kind of luster you prefer. When market grading a coin, the luster and eye appeal play a big role in determining the grade.
The MS-67 dime is over graded from the market perspective, which what matters for a slab. An early die state is worth a lot more. Once you get beyond MS-64, the die state matters. Well struck, sharp coins are worth more than blunt struck examples.
On the first, there is a huge planchet flaw between the stems. That's going to hurt the grade. I think the real question is - all other things being equal (contact marks, eye appeal, etc), will the later die state receive a different grade? And yeesh, that is a *really* late state 19D!
You will if you paid MS-67 money when it comes time to sell. NGC graded coins can’t get away with this.
For early US coins, die cracks can occur in any die stage, and the cracks often get more severe in later die states. In the words of Chief Engraver Robert Scot, "From the same source of uncertain decision whereby the time executing the Dies cannot be ascertained, arises the same difficulty in determining how long they will last. Namely, the precariousness and uncertainty of hardening and tempering the Dies, whereby they are often lost without striking a single Coin..." Here is an example of a 1795 T-19 half dollar that has a huge reverse die break as seen on all known examples:
1. Die cracks can develop at ANY die state, even before the first coin is struck from them. They are more likely to be found on late die states than early ones, and a die can reach a very late state and be retired without ever developing a die crack. 2. This is true. An early strike will be in an early state while a late state is just that a late state and what determines the die state is the amount of wear the die has sustained. As with the coins, wear results in detail loss. 3. This is false, the grade is determined by the amount of wear on the coin, contact marks, strike, and eye appeal. An uncirculated well struck late die state coin can easily grade higher than a poorly struck early state with a lot of marks. One thing to remember is not to confuse die state with die stage.
I would guess the bottom. The reverse of the top coin has some deep marks in the field near the bottom. The reverse of the bottom coin is clean although the die is very worn; even the wheat lines are pretty much gone. Personally, I'd rather have the brown top coin since the details are much better.