There appears to be "flaking" or something along the edges of this coin. It looks beautiful, but this makes it more or less valuable. http://www.cointalk.com/forum/members/topo/albums/387/6127/
It looks like what is called "orange peel". I have seen this description used before in auction catalogs and they usually mentioned a late die state. The 1907 $10 indian is one they mention often. If it is artificial such as a form of whizzing ( but I don't think so ), then obviously it would be worth less. If not, then it would be the eye of the beholder to determine the price. Do you have a close up photo of the effect? Jim
Thanks for the info, I knew there had to be a technical term for it, and I think it makes the coin look striking. Unfortunately this is the best photo I have.
It's basically caused by the die wearing out. Excessive flow lines in the surface of the die are created as the die wears out. Sometimes they are polished out and the die reused, other times they are not and the die is used until it is no longer fit for use.
I have a roosie dime with that kind of pattern, although much more pronounced throughout the coin. Like GDJMSP said, they are flow lines from die wear.
IMO, those are flow lines and the result of die wear. They do not detract from the value of the coin. To the contrary, coins with flow lines like this typically have superior luster which is an important factor when it comes to grading this series....Mike
