Interesting anomaly on an 1818 B-1 quarter

Bustquarterhound

Would like opinions on what would cause the tops of the U in united to appear cup shaped. They seem to be only on the latest die states. It also appears to make larger cups as the die breaks get heavier. Machine doubling coupled with a split die? Thanks. Dave

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jmlanzaf

Die fatigue. Kind of looks like strike doubling on the other letters as well

CaptHenway

Looks like machine doubling on the tops of U-IT

pcgs69

Clashed die by the 25? Maybe the head outline?

BustDMs

Agree with die deterioration.

Bolender referred to it as Bifurication on the bust dollars.

Bustquarterhound

@BustDMs said:
Agree with die deterioration.

Bolender referred to it as Bifurication on the bust dollars.

My understanding of bifurcation (which isn't much) is it occurs when a die under heavy pressure and repeated use wears grooves in the die. Running from a device to the edge. I've never seen that on a quarter. I'm not sure if they ever made enough quarters on a single die that would create such wear. Thanks. Dave

This looks like what I think Bolender was referring to.