Still playing with the scope to get the hang of the lighting. Getting a little better. In the process I have looked at these two coins. The first I thought was just an RPM until I looked at the reverse - Please tell me what you think? http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1999PRPM1.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1999PDoubledRev1.jpg The Cent looks like it was struck through grease except the D in United seems to have doubled a little. I know it's only worth a cent but still neat to see the close-ups. http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997PStikeIssue1.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/1997PStrikeIssue.jpg Best Regards Darryl
Darryl, The 1999-P is due to Machine or Strike Doubling! Not sure exactly when the Philadelphia Mint started hubbing the "P" Mint Mark to Philadelphia Minted coins but it was before 1999. Therefore it is not an RPM since they are no longer punched into the Dies manually! The 1997-P is a weak strike due to being Struck Thru Grease! Frank
The last RPM for a nickel that I have a listing of would be 1984-D. In the early 90's is when the mint stopped putting the mint mark on by hand. Speedy
Philly Dog I went through $20 in nickels today and it was great to be able to see quickly the doubling that occurs. I can really tell the difference between different types (although almost all that I have seen to this point is Die Doubling or Fatigue.) I have to move it off my desk to a permanent location soon so it will be harder to use to look at coins. At least I have it when I need it! If I ever leave this place I WILL buy my own! It's a great tool!
