Another Abe question...

joeykoins

Yes, I have another question concerning the condition of a cent. I know, there's been quite a bit of these threads lately on different conditions of a coin. Particularly in the Lincoln series. My question is what causes these lines that appear on many of the cents series? I do believe this is some sort of a die deterioration, right? Thanks guy's.

Hemispherical

Die polishing.

If it was center to outward to rim then it’s probably metal flow as the planchet was compressed under tons of pressure.

Since these were not outward flow lines it is more likely die polishing by the Mint workers to keep the die going and going and going...

joeykoins

Oh, interesting. See, this place is like a school. You just taught me something I did not know. Thanks

robec

Starting in 1983 there were a lot of plating issues due to copper plating over zinc. Some of those lines in your photos are die polish, but also there are lines of bubbles between the copper and zinc.

Jimnight

The above posts are stated perfectly.

PerryHall

@Hemispherical said:
Die polishing.

If it was center to outward to rim then it’s probably metal flow as the planchet was compressed under tons of pressure.

Since these were not outward flow lines it is more likely die polishing by the Mint workers to keep the die going and going and going...

Outward flowing lines found on coins are usually caused by die erosion which result from the repeated outward flowing of metal over the surface of the die while being struck under tons of pressure. Heavy die erosion usually indicates that the die has seen extensive use. These dies are usually taken out of service to have their surfaces lapped/polished or they are retired from service.

ricko

Excellent pictures and a good thread for people to learn from.... Cheers, RickO