hi all, I have this 1858 half dollar with some kind of defect on the reverse, in the shield of the eagle's breast. There appears to be some kind of planche defect, or struck through element. The lines of the shield are clearly on top of this 'apparent defect'. I have a picture attached and I will try to scan a better one (this was with my picture). Does anyone have any ideas? many thanks! andy
I'd assume it's probaly a bubble in the planchet. I've heard it can happen when they make the planchet sometimes when the molten silver is used airpockets form. That's my two cents -Russ
I don't think it's raised, and I think it's a clashed die. The only reason I say that is because I have a coin of that exact year with that exact defect. I'll post pics in a minute.
If you look in the area of the shield on the reverse, you'll see the same defect as on your coin. Also, note the lines in the field to the southeast of the shield marks, right below the eagle's wing. Those lines are present on your coin as well.
wow, this is great! I looked at 1000 coins on the web (ebay etc..) and couldn't find one like it, thanks for posting! Is this a type of die variety or something altogether different? thanks
A die clash is when the obverse and reverse dies come together without a planchet in-between. They are both made of hardened metal, and come together with sufficient force to transfer some of their images onto the other die. Any coins struck after the dies "clash" together, will show some detail that wasn't meant to be there.
check out the 1856 half on this page: http://www.alixtcat.com/coins/uscoins03.htm do those clash marks look the same as these? Would that be possible given the different year?
Another example -- Check this great picture out on Heritage -- this coin has the same exact clash http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=29123&Lot_No=24179#Photo
Clashed die on 1856 and 1858 seated half dollars I've now found several examples of this die clash on the 1856 seated half dollars -- in addition to these several instances on the 1858 (cited above). Someone must have noted this before.....??
You will find lots of examples; this was a common occurrence on coins in this period. For this reason, typically die clashes do not add to, or subtract from, the coin's value. That is, unless they are quite severe, in which case they are often collectible as errors.
I'd like to see an overlay because I am having problems visualizing what would have caused a clashmark in that area.
