I would appreciate opinions on the defect/damaged area of the obverse behind the ear - bad planchet, bad die? Two pics enclosed - 2nd one is blow-up of defect area.
I'd say there was a chunk of forein material in the die. Note the little trail of divots leading off to the left and the small horizontal lines in the gouge. I think the piece of material bit into the planchet (twice from the look of the divot) and shot off to the left. I think that may have caused the strange doubling in LIBERTY, unless I'm seeing things. Just my shot in the dark on it.
Something trouble me on this coin for some reason, can't put my finger on it though. Nice coin though, a beautiful example. :thumb: Very sharp strike. Phoenix
