I've run across maybe a dozen or more of these over the last few years but always ignored them. Today I found another one and I need to ask. The bottom stair on the memorial is pushed up a little. This one is a 1990, I don't remember the dates on the other ones. My question is, is this a variety that no one cares about or something else. Thanks: Lou
Circulation wear and tear along with worn die strikes.The steps are usually the first to go,especially for zilincons.
The bottom of the stairs on the reverse of a Lincoln memorial cent is and has always been a location that shows strike weakness. I think even more so on pre 1968 cents due to it being a higher relief coin. The bottom of the steps align with Abe's cheekbone which draws metal away from the reverse. This is also a common weak strike area on a wheat cent, but it is the 'MER' of America that shows the weakness. The other spot on the reverse is the 'E PL' on LMC's and the 'O' on the LWC. This trait still shows up on the low/flat relief of zinc cents, possibly due to lower striking pressures and good old PMD Another reason is PMD from when coins are put into a roll front to back , but again more so on the older HR coins.
It’s just a dirty old thing, Lou, or, a.k.a., “something else.” If you can take a little advice, it’s don’t try so hard. That is to say, no coin is struck perfectly, so quit looking for imperfection. It’ll drive you nuts. Rather, focus on the variety and error types that are meaningful. It may take some time to get a grip on those, but it’s worth it, as you’ll be finding the coins we value, as opposed to laugh at. You don’t need Variety Vista and high power magnification for those. Grab a 10X Loupe, and you’re in business. Got nothing against Variety Vista, if that’s one’s thing. It’s a heck of a way to start off in the hobby, though, I’ll say that. Look, good luck.
Thanks fast eddie. I do enjoy looking with a coin microscope (since I have one), I'm probably going to go crazy looking too deeply but I'm having fun?? I think I just found a 1989 D, DDO not listed. I'll post when I can.
As long as you know what’s in store for you, good luck. There are a lot of such enthusiasts, here. When it comes to the dough-re-me, don’t have your hopes up, that’s all I’m trying to say. Enjoy.
Understood, I'm in for the hunt, the dough-re-me is secondary - but exciting. I know the odds are seriously against me, that's what makes it challenging.
Not trying to prolong this, but you got it, exactly. Or at least in my opinion, you do. We get all kinds, here, Lou. And most are seeing $ looking through their microscopes and, I have to say, are a PITA for it, because they never try to learn from their bogus finds. Take it as a challenge, and you'll learn, as you go along. You can't miss. And then you know what? You won't be a PITA.
