I'm getting back into coin collecting after a long hiatus. Certainly the whole subject of grading has got a lot more sophisticated over the years. I've found the Photograde and the PCGS grading book are quite helpful. Occasionally, some mintages are noted for "weak strike" in these publications, or from other reputable sources. In particular, I've seen references to D and S Lincoln cents from the 1920s, and some Mercury dimes from the early 20s as being notably weakly struck. Now then, my question: Is there any specific data source that will properly identify what basic U.S. coinages/mintages were "weakly struck?" This can make a significant difference when trying to accurately grade a coin. The 1922 weak D Lincoln cent is a most notorious example. The weak reverse can be VERY weak. This is due to extremely worn dies, not circulation wear. Regards Houston_Ray
If you are asking is there any 1, single book or publication - no, there is not. The only way to find out such information is to read specific books that specialize with a particular series. And even then, the info you seek may not be contained. Sometimes several books must be read.
Weak strikes are tough unless you are well experienced with them. I think the early Morgan "o" mint coins were known for weak strikes. I had a good experience with weak stike Lincoln's that because of my inexperience might have cost me dearly. I found (7) 1944 D/S omm#1 and (5) 1944 D/S omm#2 while searching a lot of 100 rolls of unsearched Lincoln's To me the coins looked like they would grade VF, a couple possibly XF on a good day. All were dark brown circulated examples. One day I decided I needed to get them certified so I sent them off to ANACS and when they returned I almost passed out! (4) omm#1 - AU-50 (2) omm#1 - AU (rim damage) net XF-45 (1) omm#1 - AU (corrosion) net XF-40 (3) omm#2 - AU-50 (1) omm#2 - AU (rim damage) net XF-45 (1) omm#2 - AU (corrosion) net XF-40 When I inquired about the grades I was told they were all weak strikes. A mistake like that would have cost me hundreds of dollars per coin!
