I just took this 2011 D Lincoln out of the Mint Set plastic a few minutes ago. Can someone tell me why it would have so many fine surface scratches? They don't look like die polishing - but the may be.
Those look like flow lines, not scratches. In fact, I find their radial pattern rather pleasing to the eye.
Yes, but they don't all go in the same direction. Some are at nearly 90 degrees to others. I'll see if I can get the lines in a full coin shot.
They look like radial flow markings even though those that go over the devices give the impression of polishing. The lines between the MM and the rim and at the bottom of the truncation are at right angles to the rest which is at odds with flow lines EDIT You answered just before I did with the same observation
This one shows them across the head vertical to the "flow lines". I am not saying this may be a super rare condition, but am interested in cause. Of course I may be able to $900 for it on Etsy.
What do you mean by common occurrence? I have been looking closely at coins for over 70 years and don't recall ever seeing this straight out of a mint set. What feature of it is common?
Yes, thank you. I see now since I looked at some of the newer sets and took a close look. I had never noticed them. And the lines on this example are more prominent than on some. Are they from polishing the die? Thanks for the feedback.
I think flow lines become more prominent as the die wears. BTW maybe someone can correct me, aren't flow lines the cause of "cartwheel lustre" when light strikes across them?
