Are rims "unstruck" areas on classic coins?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by C-B-D, Oct 15, 2020.

  1. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    You mean the TR of Trust on the obverse?

    That's a weak strike. Lehigh and I have gone back back on forth on this many times, but it's considered acceptable by the TPGs on a 66.
     
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  3. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    If I look closely, I see what appears to be a "lighter spot" just north of the rim ding. This looks like displaced metal, to me. A "rim ding" instead of a "planchet flaw."

    On the Franklin I posted, I don't see any corresponding displaced metal. I don't know if its a ding or not. I've contemplated sending to PCGS for a second third opinion, but haven't yet.
     
  4. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Screw press like this > punch-press-essay-on-coining.jpg
     
    Dynoking likes this.
  5. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Love to have that job !
     
  6. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

  7. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Horses were used for the rolling mills, not the screw presses. And while that is a screw press in SensibleSal's picture, it is set up as a cutting or blanking press, not a coining press. Note the strip the man is holding with the holes cut out of it.
     
  8. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    ok hold on, : OIP.jpg
     
    Dynoking likes this.
  9. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Guy sitting in the pit, funny
     
  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan 48-year collector Moderator

    Wow, those coins in the OP are stunning.
     
    C-B-D likes this.
  11. C-B-D

    C-B-D Well-Known Member

    This makes sense to me.
     
  12. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    With the possible exception of Proof coin planchets, many flans have small marks on them before the coin was struck. In the vast majority of instances, those marks are flattened by the dies when the coin is made. When those marks are not flattened, it almost always occurs in the highest areas of the design. The reason is that the highest areas on the coin are stuck by the deepest areas on a die. If the dies or too shallow, or insufficient pression is used to strike the coin, the marks will remain.

    Some coins are known to have pre-strike planchet marks on them on a regular basis. The Philadelphia Sesquicentennial commemorative half dollar is one of those coin. This piece was struck with dies that had shallow relief. The result was a less than perfectly executed design. This piece is graded MS-64. There are number marks on Washington’s cheek, but most them were on the planchet before the coin was struck.


    SesquiO.JPG SesquiR.JPG

    How can you tell the difference between pre-strike planchet marks and post mint scratches? That involves some art, science and personal interpretation. In general, a sharply defined mark, like the one on Calvin Coolidge’s forehead in post mint damage. The sort of mushy looking marks on Washington’s cheek were probably there before the coin was struck, but opinions may differ.

    So far as the marks on the rims of the dimes in the OP, I would say that most of those were there before the coin was struck, but this is just an opinion on my part. Here is an MS-65 graded Bust Dime from my collection. It too has simlar marks on the obverse. You can't see much of the reverse rim becauset the coin is in an old NGC holder. The piece was also struck with rusty dies which accounts for the rough area on Ms. Liberty's cheek.

    1832 Dime O.jpg 1832 Dime R.jpg
     
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  13. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Here's the thing, literally everything on a coin, or not on it if it's supposed to be there and isn't, SHOULD count when grading the coin. And when you're talking about marks, it shouldn't matter if they were on the planchet before strike, or contact marks that occurred after the strike - they should still count because they are there on the coin. In other words, when grading, cause of the marks doesn't matter, or shouldn't matter. The only thing that matters is that they are there.

    That's how it is supposed to be. But it isn't. And the reason it isn't is because the TPGs choose to do it that way !

    Now I can get them doing it that way, because they get to choose their own grading standards, as long as they are consistent with that policy. But they aren't consistent at all. And the Frankie posted by physics-fan, coupled with the explanation he was given, is a perfect example of that. That one single mark on the rim, regardless of its cause, kept the grade down. But on the other coins, numerous marks on the rims did not keep the grade down. If it keeps the grade down on one coin, it should keep the grade down on all coins.

    And it doesn't stop there. They do the same thing with corrosion. On older coins corrosion, even extensive corrosion, is ignored when grading. But on other coins one tiny spot of corrosion can even result in a no grade at all. And it isn't just done with older coins. Coins of value, scarcity, or pedigree - they make up exceptions and don't the very same things they do count on other coins - even from the same date/mint at times.

    So the real answer to your question CBD, is the TPGs are gonna do what they want to do, regardless of what they should do. Even when their own grading standards say they should not.
     
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  14. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    I never gave this any thought. I like Type's explanation.
     
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  15. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    Lesson learned thanks everyone.
     
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  16. C-B-D

    C-B-D Well-Known Member

    I understand that the graders overlooked the edges, but standards aside... do you agree they are more marked up due to the lower strike pressure there?
     
  17. Jersey magic man

    Jersey magic man Supporter! Supporter

    I am an error guy, so this is out of my wheelhouse, but, does your statement of “the only thing that matters is that they are there” Carry over to coins known to weak strikes. If it is a weak strike then it is a weak strike, and should never get a high grade because of it?
     
    SensibleSal66 likes this.
  18. messydesk

    messydesk Well-Known Member

    It's a kid sitting in the pit. Small fingers, fast reflexes, good eyesight all made for good qualifications for that job. If a finger or two got crushed, there were plenty of other kids who could do it.
     
  19. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    Excellent thread. I know I learned a few things from it.
     
    TypeCoin971793 and C-B-D like this.
  20. CoinCorgi

    CoinCorgi Tell your dog I said hi!

    This is what I was trying to say...they gave these coins a pass, for some reason.
     
  21. bradgator2

    bradgator2 Well-Known Member

    Awesome thread to read
     
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