I have an uncerculated 2008 P John Quincy Adam gold dollar. Upon close inspection, I noticed a line down the middle of his head. With extreme magnification it appears to me that the line is raised instead of concave like a scratch would be. I am new at this but my understanding is the only way that can happen is from a die error. The mark next to the J of John I believe is a scratch which I have no idea how that may have happened since this is a sealed coin. I would appreciate any input that anyone can provide. Thanks a bunch
Looks like a scuff of some sort. I don’t think it is a planchet flaw. Have you tried any acetone to see if it is a film or streak on the surface? Try a tiny drop near the lettering, let it sit for a minute and blot (not rub) the remainder with a Q-tip or micro fiber cloth (like you would use on a camera lens or spectacles)…imo…Spark
It appears the coin is incased in a plastic holder or something. Are you sure the mark is not on the plastic case?
Incorrect. Post Mint damage can also occur. You stated that it's a sealed coin. Who sealed it? It was loose before someone sealed it.
It is difficult to tell from a photo whether it is raised, indented, or just scuffed or stained. The coin in hand is three dimensional, but the photo is only two dimensional. If it is raised, it would be a flaw in the die, perhaps a crack, and the scuffing would be on top of the raised feature. Otherwise, it is most likely post-mint damage. Perhaps a photo with a light source at an angle could make that clearer. Being sealed, even if done at the mint, does not guarantee, or rule out, anything.
Even being in a sealed capsule, these coins are banged out of a die and ejected into piles faster than you can imagine. It's entirely possible that old John Q suffered an abrasion before he was encapsulated.
Welcome to CT. As some have said, the minting process is very vigorous and also someone sealed it. If you were to remove to see, use soft gloves etc. The case looks scratched but as another also said, hard to get a good photo through the casing. Good Luck!
lol! Thank you! I guess threads are like texting lol. But then you would have replied to me so I should have known. lol!
