Thanks Chris, but doesn't die deterioration usually show 'flow lines' or a roughness to the area? This looks like some of the letters were 'cut' smooth. Just different from what I've seen in my limited experience. Thanks again.
Very odd markings. Looks to me like some type of build-up of something hard in the recess of the die. OR it may be caused by a weak strike, where metal did not flow into die completly. Can you post full photos of both sides?
Flow lines don't have to be present for die deterioration. What comes first, the chicken or the egg? Chris
