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Anyone ever question a 1898 U.S. cent's obverse, stippling of the last A in AMERICA

emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

Stippling -
Is a drawing or printing technique that uses a series of small dots to create images and tonal or shading effects. The technique is versatile, used by artists to create detailed drawings and by pressman to render images.
Does anyone have a photo of the letter A font used in AMERICA, on a 1898 cent ?
These photo's may show a time and cost saver method, if done exactly, could go undetectable back in the day.
Two thoughts come to mind because, I've been there, done that.
First.
No margin for error.
Second.
I see a number 1 font, resting on top of a, failing, capitol letter A font.
What's in your thoughts ?

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Comments

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 36,856 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @emeraldATV said:
    What's in your thoughts ?

    you're seeing things

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

    May I reserve that right on this one ?
    What's throwing me into this thread, is a hook image, or small decorative stroke, called a"serif," on the head of the A font.
    I'm going to put it into a negative filter using my other PC.
    I may be eating all of this time and work.
    I don't even think I have this coin any more. I think I donated something with this date about a year ago when a folder was passed around the forum asking to be filled for a good cause.
    No biggie.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 37,589 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 7, 2025 3:56PM

    Pareidolia

    Sometimes a damaged or grease- filled "A" is just that. It doesn't have to be an engraving of the Mint Director's mistress just because your mind wants to interpret the image that way.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,052 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Could it be die wear or erosion?

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • OAKSTAROAKSTAR Posts: 8,562 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:

    @emeraldATV said:
    What's in your thoughts ?

    you're seeing things

    I thought you were going to ask him how long he's been off his meds.

    Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )

  • Old_CollectorOld_Collector Posts: 475 ✭✭✭✭

    Just wondering, why is all that green on the coin -- I would be compelled to use acetone and then Verdi-Care.
    And yeah, I'm probably off my meds. :D

  • emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

  • emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A.1. was officially registered as a trademark in the US in 1895, and imported and distributed in the United States by G. F. Heublein & Brothers in 1906.
    What ?

  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 5,136 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 8, 2025 7:36PM

    @emeraldATV said:
    Does anyone have a photo of the letter A font used in AMERICA, on a 1898 cent ?


    Here is a MS-67+ RD from PCGS CoinFacts
    https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1898-1c-rd/2201


    A3 (last A in AMERICA) has a fairly level surface in this high grade coin, although the right side may be higher than the left side.
    In addition, the right side of A3 is slanted relative to its feet (serifs),
    unlike the 1 in the date, where the serifs are at a 90 degree angle to the upright.
    And the 1 in date is taller than A3.

    I agree it is wise to look at high grade coins to see the undamaged letter shapes,
    rather than to draw conclusions from a lower grade circulated coin like yours.

    Your coin may have had post-mint impact damage or selective acid corrosion on the left side of the A.

  • emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Thanks for that high grade information, @yosclimber !
    I'm not going into it's rabbit hole, until I have the coin in hand, for a better look using photo's.
    I know its here, and until I come across it, then, I'll rethink my next move.
    This thread started as I was cruising some photo's from awhile back, with this image clear as a loop.
    For now, is for another time.
    Thanks again every one.
    Answered ?

  • RittenhouseRittenhouse Posts: 603 ✭✭✭✭

    Experienced collectors typically refer to your "stippling" as pitting and verdigris, both of which are quite common on low-grade copper coins. If you want to show that stippling was used on these dies, then show that it exists on high-grade uncs.

  • emeraldATVemeraldATV Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Rittenhouse said-
    - "to show that stippling was used on these dies, then show that it exists on high-grade uncs".

    I would "GUESS" a high grade, die material, is used just for the low mintage, high-graded coins
    with no evidence of public handling, thus labeled as uncirculated .
    The criteria addressed during the make ready strike's or press checks must be signed off and filed by someone who's knowledge exceeds most pressman in all phases of production of the product.
    Press checks (die inspections ? ) consume time with a principle and standard by which something may be judged or decided.
    I don't think any pressman would cross that line. if ?
    Now the business die's and it's production ?
    HANG AND BANG BABY, were burning daylight.
    Just my thoughts.

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