1853 Quarter: What is this?

Take a look beneath the "1":





In hand, it looks like a slightly raised line of the same metal as the coin. And it carries-over to the Reverse (above the first "S" and extending down thru the "D"):





Any idea what this is? It looks original, not PMD.

 

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Those look like die cracks. Die cracks are pretty common in the seated series.

 

Definitely a die crack

 

I guess a Die crack or planchet flaw.

It's a very nice looking quarter

 

I have several quarters that are cracked up quite a bit. Both of these 1876's have extensive cracks





If you want to see more seated liberty quarters I have a progressive thread here>

https://www.cointalk.com/index.php?threads/I-cant-keep-them-to-myself-any-longer..263985/

This keeps track of when I have a new set photographed.

Or you can see them all without the commentary at my website here:

http://www.firstcapitalcoins.com/#!first-capital-collection/cy5f

 

@COCollector

That is a different die crack on the reverse.

Chris

 

Die crack. Very common on seated coins. Still cool

 

Nice looking a&r Au 53?

 

Long ago I must've read about die cracks -- it sure sounds familiar.

Anyway, I appreciate the quick responses. Thanks everyone.

 

For this raw coin in hand, I honestly think it's a strong EF40, maybe 45. But I'm still learning to grade, so maybe it'd pass for AU.

I really like the a&r coins. I've got both half dollars (VG/F) -- and I'd upgrade in a heartbeat for the right deal. Also have an 1853 dime. Someday I'll complete the set.

The 53's are kinda special to me -- I'll be 100 in 2053.

 

Nice looking coin with a sweet die crack but that's already been said.

 

Just curious why are cracks so common for this series? Was it a quality control issue or was it just the limited technology at the time?

 

I'm don't know why so common but back then dies sometimes stayed in service till they were pretty bad...Google "Top 25 seated dime shattered dies" - Gerry Fortin has kind of an interesting article if you like this kind of thing.

 

I'll check it out! Also is that considered an error or is it in a different category?

 

All of that; it was difficult to produce/anneal strong dies with production line quality back then. So bad dies abounded, and they had to push the ones which *were* good all the harder.

 

Yes these would fall into the category of mint errors. And some are considered varieties. Just where that starts and stops I'll let someone else explain that if they will please. I'm a little vague myself

 

Where does repunched dates fall in line with a coin like this. I can't remember date but once when I cataloging a seated liberty quarter I found what boggled all the senior buyers and they later told me to list it as a repunched dats. Can anyone clarify?