What is the cause for Weak Dentils on an otherwise Well Struck Coin? (Morgan Dollar)

mcarney1173

I came across the below Morgan dollar and noticed the weakly struck dentils (5, 9, and 11 o’clock on the obverse. Minimal on the reverse) on what appears to be a well-struck coin. What could be the cause for this? How is this factored into the grade? Coin is a 66+ btw

MedalCollector

Could be a small rim clip at 5:30 with the Blakesley effect at 11:30.

ifthevamzarockin

@GoldenEgg said:
Could be a small rim clip at 5:30 with the Blakesley effect at 11:30.

I agree, that was the first thing that came to my mind too.

The problem at about 9 o'clock may have something to do with the strike. It looks like there may be a reverse curve on the rim from just under the 3 over to 9 o'clock. I forget what it is called so I will call it a collar clash for the sake of the conversation.

asheland

Cool regardless...

CaptHenway

I agree with minor clip, though the 9 o’clock area gives me pause.

Elcontador

This was a problem on some late date Large and Half Cents, particularly the 1855. I think it was a die problem; perhaps they were out of alignment. Someone else here probably knows more about this than I do. I don't think I've ever seen a gem 1855 Large or Half Cent with complete, strong dentils, and I've seen at least twenty of them.

messydesk

Put me down for clip. Looks like there's one at 9:00, too, although it's harder to see on the reverse.

MWallace

My first thought was that it was struck on a type 1 blank which can cause the rim area to be weak in places.