I have been trying to research some DDO varieties and I have some questions. I was using Coneca to identify some DDO-005 Kennedy halves and everything was going well until I found a coin that looked like a DD0-005 but didn't have the die scratch at the lips but had the die gouge between the N and I on the reverse. Since these markers are listed as Stage A is it possible that I have a coin that is an earlier version. Possibly a new stage A? Is this possible or do I just have a DDO-005 without one of the markers? Thanks, 65GT350
65GT350...Are you sure the Stage A marker, die scratch in field at lips, isn't there...could it be faint? Here is a photo of the marker from a Stage A - EDS. If yours doesn't have it maybe it has been polished from the die and you have a Stage B or C. Is you half a MDS or LDS? Did you notice that James Wiles (CONECA) hasn't confirmed a Stage B yet in the listings...maybe you have one? Larry Nienaber
Larry, Thank you. I looked at the coin again and can barely see the scratch when tilted the correct way. I am not sure I know what you mean about MDS or LDS. I was under the impression that each stage is a die state. Is it possible to have a Stage A MDS or LDS? If so what markers would need to either be there or not be there. Thank you again, 65GT350
Stages are used, by James Wiles (CONECA), to show the progression of the die use for a die variety in the CONECA Die Variety Listings. These stages, Stage A, Stage B, Stage C...etc, represent the die state and may be noted as an early die state (EDS), late early die state (LEDS), early mid die state (EMDS), mid die state (MDS)...etc, too a very late die state (VLDS). Sometimes markers can be found to map the progression of these stages using die scratches, gouges, die cracks, abrasion, or clash marks, as they appear or disappear on the die as they are being used. A couple good examples in the Kennedy series are the 64 DDO-018 and the 66 SMS DDO-002. http://www.conecaonline.org/content/kennedydoubleddies1964.html#_1964 http://www.conecaonline.org/content/kennedydoubleddies19651970.html#_1966_5 Larry Nienaber
Larry, I have often reflected on the issue of markers, etc. When inspecting many coins, I’ve often found the specified marker, yet the coin did not qualify or match the other criteria. I suppose the idea is one of consistency – where the coin is not valid due to a requisite standard – or might be a counterfeit. In every instance I’ve found the genuine item – the marker was there. If it is not in such a case, and the rest of the details are DEFINITE…I would assume a different variety. Interesting point, about the stages; thanks for the link! The main question I have concerning markers, etc.: is there a case of a DDO coin – any coin – where the marker alone was sufficient to prove authenticity (is there any standard of a grading service using markers exclusively for a certification)? A.J.
Larry, Thank you for the reply. I am sorry but it just brings more questions. I see that the DDO-005 Stage B is unconfirmed MDS. But the Stage C is listed as LDS but with no description other than that the Obverse and Reverse are LDS. From the descriptions how can I tell if I have a Stage A versus a Stage C. Also it appears that there is a die scratch on most of the DDO-005's from the under the middle of chin to the south. Why is that "marker" not listed? Thank you for your expertise. 65GT350
65GT350…there isn’t a description for the stage C, other than the obverse and reverse are LDS, because no one has reported one, or there was no difference observed between the stage A (EDS) and the stage C (LDS), other than the die state. You can tell in this case if you have a stage A or stage C by the die state. I see a lot of die scratches on my 64D DDO-005, which is an EDS, on the obverse and the reverse, most of which could have probably been chosen as a marker in the listings. What someone really needs to do is put together a group of these 005’s and sort out the stages and map the markers, like what was done with the 64 DDO-018. Larry Nienaber
