Die crack?

My wife has the other camera so I know these pictures are not that good. A 1963 Jefferson Nickel I think might be full steps which I know you can't determine from the pictures. I am wondering aout the line on the reverse. Die crack or just a scratch? Line does look to be raised to me.

See next post for bigger pictures.

 

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Test to see if the pictures got any bigger.

 

Sorry. Still can't tell from the pics.

If it is raised, it's probably a die crack.

I must say, though, that I've never seen a die crack that long and straight. Not to say it couldn't be, just that I haven't seen it.

 

Take a close look with a loupe or, preferably, a microscope, to see if any metal is pushed up and out (crater effect) especially where it crosses the lettering. If it is, then it is PMD. It's almost too straight for a die crack, but I have seen a couple like that. It could be a die gouge. I can't tell from the thumbnail even when I enlarge it. It becomes too blurry.

Chris

 

Thanks guys. I do have one of those digital blue microscopes which I can also take a picture with. I have to go to work shortly but will try to take a picture with the microscope later. Thanks again.

 

Larger pictures are still out of focus but I think it has a fair chance of being a die crack.

 

Thanks-
I have a Digitial Blue Q5 microscope but I am waiting on the new software since I got a new Windows 7 computer. I will take some pictures with the microscope software over the steps and where the line crosses letters and post when able. Thought it looked kinda cool. Hopefully it isn't just post mint damage.

 

Some more info on this coin. This coin was actually taped on the end of a bu roll of 1964 nickels. This is a 1963 nickel. The front has some gummy tape residue so I plan on giving the coin a good soak in acetone. I don't think that line on the reverse has anything to do with tape but that is possible. The coin looks to have full steps which is pretty tough to get in a 1963 nickel. I will take a picture when I get the microscope software. Not sure if this might be a proof nickel then? Normally I wouldn't care so much about a 1963-P nickel but with a possible big die crack and possible full steps it has caught my attention. Any easy way to confirm if a nickel is proof or not?

 

I concur with the others... easy way to tell is with a stereo microscope...

 

Ok..Best I can do with my digital blue microscope. Thinking this nickel might be a proof.

 

Here is one at 60X on the S in States.

 

Hello everyone,

From the last picture, it does appear to be a die crack, though I will let the experts tell you more.

Regards,
Stan

 

Thank you Stan.

 

I was actually thinking just the opposite. I said earlier that thought it could be a crack, but the last picture of the S makes me doubt it. Inside the lower loop of the S it looks like a dark area between TWO light areas or as a scratch would appear that had pushed up a ridge of metal along either side.

 

Thanks. This one is a head scratcher. Here is a picture with the line over the steps. Not sure if this will help.