Will this die break affect the grade? - Result Posted 6/10/23

ProofCollection

I was going through rolls, looking for coins to submit and I came across this one, only to find what I believe is a die crack on the reverse of this otherwise great looking coin.

First and foremost, is this a die break? I saw this same thing on at least 3 coins:

Got a shot of it with my microscope:

I struggled with photos but in-hand, it looks fine:


I used my scanner to show the detail and lack of bag marks. Up close it doesn't look so great but I might ezest this coin to clean it up:

So my questions:
1. Is this a die break?
2. Since I believe this is a relic of this minting process, will it affect the grade?
3. Guess what it will grade at. Is this an MS68 candidate, which is my goal? What do you base the grade on (i.e., strike, luster, marks)
Note, the mark above the E on the reverse isn't on the coin. The only real mark on the obverse is to the left of the shoulder at about 7:30 and a slight tick on the lapel and a tick or two on the rim.

1madman

1) yes
2) it shouldn’t affect the grade
3) ms65

gumby1234

The die crack shouldn't affect the grade. I dont think it would grade 68, but who knows. I was thinking 66.

ricko

The die crack will not affect the grade... However, I do not think it will make MS68... Likely a 66. Cheers, RickO

ProofCollection

@ricko said:
The die crack will not affect the grade... However, I do not think it will make MS68... Likely a 66. Cheers, RickO

You get the award. I submitted this out of my "research" budget just to see the results. I did have this coin restored as well to see how if the spots could be removed. Here are the results (MS66):

gumby1234

68 grade is not as easy to get for circulation coins as people think. Some are extremely tough. Even from fresh rolls or mint sets.

ProofCollection

@gumby1234 said:
68 grade is not as easy to get for circulation coins as people think. Some are extremely tough. Even from fresh rolls or mint sets.

I'm certainly aware of that. For some reason it is much easier to see all of the nicks in a Trueview then with a loupe. I am getting better. I did get a 68 recently, you may have seen my post on that one...

OAKSTAR

I believe a crack like that or any die crack on a nice coin like yours, makes it more unique and desirable. But that's just my opinion.