Saw a proof pattern (1873 trade dollar, J-1315) sold by Heritage a few years ago (see link) where the description stated, "centers show some blending of impression." I guess this is cataloger-speak for weak strike. Because the apparently weak strike is so much more noticeable on the reverse, I wonder if it wasn't a partially filled die. Other explanations? Coin was lot4526, Nov 2013, New York. Link: https://coins.ha.com/itm/patterns/1...r61-pcgs/a/1191-4526.s?hdnJumpToLot=1x=0&y=0# Cal
Rather than a partially filled die, is it possible that the relief of the eagle design was simply too pronounced for the metal to fill? Other, lower parts, such as the motto and shield, are crisp. Since so few pattern impressions were produced, wouldn't they have been careful about maintaining clean dies?
I've looked at many J-1315's via PCGS Auction Prices Realized, and most are pretty well struck in the center. Could be the press striking force was too low for this particular coin. Because it was a trial piece, there could have been quite a bit of fiddling with the machinery. I still find "blending of impression" to be a strange phrase simply to mean a weak strike. Cal
Yeah, "blending of impression" (it must be voiced delicately) is a funny, and blatant, euphemism for a weak strike. As if catalogers are now drawing from the world of cosmetology. Will "carbon spots" become "beauty marks?" As for striking force, the odd thing, as you point out in the OP, is how crisp the obverse is compared to the rev. Only a slight flatness of Liberty's forearm/hand. I know little about patterns but there's a crudeness to the eagle that makes no sense to me either. Maybe it is simply grease.
I picture catalogers sitting in a circle like the gang in Eric Foreman's basement on That 70s Show, coming up with catalogese terms.
