1893 Proof Sovereign Question

Cruzi

Looked at 3 of these recently, trying to obtain a good example for the collection. They all had hairlines in the fields which I automatically assumed to be from cleaning from sometime in the past.

But with closer examination of the last one, it seems the hairlines are only in the fields, not showing anywhere in the frosting at all, and more damning still, even showing within the legend running right to edges. This includes inside the letters and numbers.

The question then is am I actually looking at die polish marks not wipe marks post strike, and is this normal for this issue?

Been trying to get a decent picture but it is difficult within the holder, and as the coin is at this stage still on approval as long as it remains within original holder, I am not going to remove it.

wybrit

ttt for MacCrimmon - do you know the answer?

Cruzi

ttt

Last day before coin has to go back if I decide not to keep it.

ajaan

NEN has a few proof sovereigns on their site and all of them are certified and have hairlines. Here is just one example.

MacCrimmon

Sorry, just saw this thread, but if the hairlines (die polish) are as you desribe then they are most likely really die polish marks if they are completely 'stopped out' at the devices and lettering.

The recent Cheshire material had a couple of proofs which I noted exhibited this characteristic, but I can't recall offhand which coins specifically. I'll check my notes later this evening. I can also check my 1893 proofs (sorry, silver only) to see if there is any evidence of the die polishing, however faint.

I would however, expect the proof '93 sovs in question to have very faint die polish marks and not as heavy as shown in the POR which ajaan just posted.

Cruzi

The hairlines are pretty strong, not quite as bad as the ones in NEN's picture but stronger than what I would have expected.

They are also present on the Half-sovereign, but maybe because the fields are smaller, they do not appear to be as prominent.

Thanks for the help so far guys, I really apprieciate it.

Aethelred

<< <i>The question then is am I actually looking at die polish marks not wipe marks post strike, and is this normal for this issue? >>



From what you say it does sound like die polish. You should examine the coin with a 15x loupe to see if they are raised.

AlaBill

I have a stereo microscope I use to determine if lines like these are hairlines or die polish marks. Al larger magnification you can clearly see the differences with the die polish marks clearly raised. You have to manipulate the coin in the light to see this clearly. Die polish marks are best seen when the light is perpendicular to the polish marks creating a light side and a shadow side.

I have often been fooled thinking hairlines when they turned out to be die polish lines.