The pictures are lousy. But I think you can make out the line that runs along the outer edges of the letters in UNITED STATES. In hand, it does not look like a scratch but more of a defect in the coin itself. Anyone know what this might be?
Hi SwendiCoin, What you have is a die crack running along the edge of the coin. It's probably a VAM that may be listed at this site. I didn't look for your date but in searching this site you may find it.................................................John http://www.vamworld.com/ PS: I went and looked and it appears to be VAM 21D. Give it a look and see if it's similar..............................................................John
Correct. The line is pressed ( actually raised) into the coin from a crack in the die used to mint the coin. Very nice example. :thumb:
Doesn't look like a VAM 21D. Don't see the break over ATE, crack through UNITED is slightly different, and it looks like the date position is normal (v21D is near).
VAM 21D looks close but I agree with nesvt. The crack doesn't continue far enough over ATE. And it begins just before the star in front of UNITED. The start looks similar to the picture for VAM 11. But I'll have to check more closely tonight to see if any of the other indicators are there. I see several other varieties with a similar crack that I will need to check in detail too. But just because I have this crack doesn't mean I have a VAM, right? Also, NGC graded the coin MS65. Do die cracks like this usually detract from the grade or are they ignored? Thanks!
After studying the coin closely last night, it would appear that I just have one with an obvious die crack in it and nothing more. Still kind of cool looking though.
I thought that Morgan looked kind of familiar I photographed my buddies not too long ago, when he wanted to sell it Very Cool Die Cracks on the reverse.