I found this while roll searching today. What is the deal with the die crack? Everything looks normal for a die crack until you get the middle of Montocello. Instead of being raised like the crack it becomes sunken in??? The die clip is what first cought my attention. Thanks Darryl http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Obv1.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev4.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev3.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev2.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev1.jpg
Your die crack is transitioning from a conventional die crack on the left to a bi-level die crack on the right. A bi-level die crack features vertical displacement instead of lateral spread. They're not that rare. The "clip" is something else entirely. It looks like post-strike damage on the obverse, but the weakness on the reverse suggests we're looking at pre-strike damage.
Thanks Mike - It's the first time I've seen anything like it. (Not that - that means much ) I am planning on getting it under the scope today just so I can really see how the metal moved. I cannot imagine the die lasted to much longer at the point this nickel was struck. I really appreciate the explanation!!! Best Regards Darryl
Bi-level die cracks do not appear to signal an imminent demise of the die, in the same way that conventional die cracks don't imply an imminent breakdown. For example, the "cracked skull" Lincoln cents of the 1950s feature bi-level die cracks, and most of these dies struck numerous examples. Bi-level die cracks are of interest in that they document a degree of plastic deformation that is greater than most people think die steel is capable of.
Thanks again Mike - Just goes to show - never assume anything! Now that you mention the cent I remember that 55 I picked up that also has a bi-level in the skull. Bi-level cracks look extreme and it is amazing how much stress the die can handle when it is damaged. I added a couple close ups of the crack - I didn't realize yesterday the crack ran all the way across. V-day had me a little distracted . http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev5.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev6.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997Rev7.jpg
