I went back through the threads because I remembered someone had asked about those pesky little marks above letters. Mike's response was put this way - "The missing copper is where the copper plating split under the force of the strike. Very common." I've come across many coins like this, but the one pictured here is quite different. These aren't just little splits, these are WHOLE LETTER splits. Can someone enlighten me on how this happened? Thanks
Would guess its a result of mechanical doubling with a nice spread. The second strike moved the copper in a similar fashion to the excess strike pressure. Like I said, just a guess. Cool find either way.
I agree that looks like a real DD. As I always recommend though is to check with the expert at coppercoins.com.
I have a few coins with this peculiar duplication of letters in the form of split plating. I believe mine are all broadstrikes. I don't have a good explanation, but this sort of doubling shares no characteristics with a double strike, a doubled die, machine doubling, or die deterioration doubling. I just think it's a peculiar manifestation of split plating ("split-line doubling"). All sorts of wierd effects arise under the tremendous force and velocity of the strike.
Thanks for the info, Mike. I think I'll just hold on to it for a while. Even if it's not worth much, it's nice to look at.
