Found a 1974 D 1c with a jagged line on the reverse. Is this caused from a wire or other material during the die process? I have seen plenty of gouges and dings. The jaggedness of the line is what struck my curiosity. Also, I believe this to be a small date variety. When it comes to the 1974 cent, what is the significance of the small date/large date design? Is the difference in variety significant due to a transition year or such?
CN, I'm at work at moment but memory had me believing the anomaly is not raised. I will look closer later but might be 24 hrs. ~Rob
It's indented, not raised. Nice little strike through. Looks like it could be a wire bristle from a cleaning brush, but it doesn't really matter what caused it. Small strike throughs like this are cool finds but they rarely carry much if any additional value. Still, I would put it in a 2x2 if I found it
Hoopster, I will definitely put it in a 2x2... Just wanting to learn what I'm finding and appreciate the knowledge. ~Rob
CN, I will attempt to clear it up a bit. Unfortunately my camera/scope doesn't allow me to take a picture of the entire coin on lowest magnification. ~Rob
The anomaly appears to be indented/engraved/punched in, not raised. You can see where it cuts into the R. The light source is directly overhead, as well as from 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. Cropped image from the above picture... maximum magnification... Hope these images help. ~Rob
Goossen, I was very surprised to find it... I know the only value is the fun in the hunt. It is awesome to see such microscopic happenings caused in the die process. Thanks. ~Rob
Since it's not raised it's not a die crack. As soon as I first saw it I was thinking a nice strike through but I couldn't tell. The newer photos and you comments do convince me that is it a strike through.
So what exactly does it mean, this kind of find? Is it plainly a personal find? Does it create a value component to the coin? ~Rob
If it is indented, something like a small piece of wire, or something found it's way to when this coin was struck, and so you have a fossil of whatever that thing was. It probably adds a little value, as it is a strike through error.
Oh don't say that. Most struck throughs are only worth a few extra dollars. Several are worth hundreds. It depends on the type of coin, condition, the date and mintmark and as always, supply and demand. Yours, I would only pay a few dollars for but they are neat to find and if I were you, I'd keep it. Protect it well.