So here's a low-grade 1804 C-13 half cent. Very common one that I've had for a while but I've never been able to decide if the obverse flaw at K10 is a planchet flaw or some form of PMD like concentrated corrosion. Your thoughts are welcome.
There was one like this on I think CU the other day. I'm not an expert so I won't say its right but I think planchet flaw. Don't have time to look for CU thread, sorry.
Just to my eye, it does seem to be a planchet flaw of some sort. However, I am not sure if there are any distinguishing characteristics of planchet flaws as opposed to PMD. It looks similar to other planchet flaws based on it's ragged texture, but there are probably other things that could cause that.
The line I outlined in purple is what makes me think it's a planchet flaw. Just a guess as I'm no expert.
I think that it's a planchet flaw because of the area highlighted in purple in the above photograph. It might be a small lamination that dropped out after the coin was struck. Unlike modern coins, mint related flaws like this lower the value of the piece, especially if the coin is high grade. In this case, it should not make much of a difference given that it is well worn and a common date and variety.
Thank you all for your thoughts. I am still inclined to think it a planchet flaw. BTW, it doesn't make any difference to me, either intellectually or financially, which it is. I was trying to determine if there was a diagnostic here that was invisible to me that could be used on other coins to make this determination. Ah, if only I had purchased that scanning electron microscope off Craig's List. Then I could really see down into the fracture surfaces to make the determination. Thanks again.
