Long time Lurker, first time poster. Question as it pertains to coins with die cracks. If two coins are graded MS 63 but one of the coins exhibits evidence of a cracked die. Which coin is more valuable? Does having a VAM make it more valuable? Thanks...
Howdy 50 CENT - Welcome to the Forum !! As a general rule die cracks add no value to a coin. But there are some VAMs that do have more value and die cracks are sometimes one of the diagnostics used to identify a particular VAM.
Die cracks are like toning. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. So the value depends on the buyer. If a person likes die cracks, they'll pay a bit more. If a person DOESN'T like die cracks, they'll pay less, or not even buy. But it appears there aren't nearly as many people who like die cracks as there are who like toning, especially rainbow toning. VAM's are always positive as far as I know. Beyond that, what GDJMSP said.
Thanks, everybody. I've learned a lot by reading these threads. Been here about six months, but I finally had to ask a question.
Aloha and welcome to the forum. I too am a newbie but quickly learned that this crowd has some good answers. Ask away . . . If we don't know the answer, we'll say something that will baffle the best and you'll never know if you got the right answer or the left one. :mouth:
That's right. The question is "How positive ?" Some are a really big deal, others are so obscure they command very little premium. and WELCOME, 50 CENT ! I've always enjoyed your hip-hop albums. Somebody had to say it...
Yes, as a general rule die cracks add no value - but there are exceptions. There is a very prized 1794 Large Cent called the "wheelspoke" variety (S-33). There are several die cracks on the reverse which are radial from the rim to the letters. Together, they create a wheelspoke effect. It is not a die variety - it is a die state variety. There are very few specimens (R-6), and they are very spendy. Much can be learned from the study of die cracks, notably the emission sequence of various die varieties. If two varieties have the same obverse die but different reverse dies, specialists look for signs of die wear on the obverse die (notably cracks). The variety with more die wear or cracks was made later.
The Huzak specimen of 1794 1c S-33, VF35, sold for over $100,000 last February. It is condition census #1 - finest known. There are only 8 others.
Welcome to CT , personally I like die cracks , but I wont pay extra for them , at least not much , Nice toning I will pay extra , also for certain VAMS I'll pay extra . rzage
