Why would a pattern have die cracks?
tmot99
Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭
Ok pattern experts. Here is a picture of a pattern with all kinds of die cracks.
I guess I'm just wondering why there would be such die failure. How many coins could have possibly been struck by this die? Certainly each Judd will have differenet numbers, but still. We are not talking a circulation die here. What's up?
I guess I'm just wondering why there would be such die failure. How many coins could have possibly been struck by this die? Certainly each Judd will have differenet numbers, but still. We are not talking a circulation die here. What's up?
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Comments
<< <i>Probably applied too much pressure testing a new metal composition. >>
i agree
"Struck from a shattered reverse die".
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<< <i>My guess is that the cracks have more to do with a poorly prepared die than with the composition of the planchets. Remember, the dies weren't expected to see extended use, so hardening them properly may have seemed unnecessary. Of course I'm only guessing. >>
A die can even crack during the hardening process, so that the first strike would show the crack(s). On a pattern, it wouldn't matter.
TD
<< <i>
<< <i>My guess is that the cracks have more to do with a poorly prepared die than with the composition of the planchets. Remember, the dies weren't expected to see extended use, so hardening them properly may have seemed unnecessary. Of course I'm only guessing. >>
A die can even crack during the hardening process, so that the first strike would show the crack(s). On a pattern, it wouldn't matter.
TD >>
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Most likely the cracks are from the heat treating process.
Surface cracks, (and subsurface cracks), are a rather common occurance from heat treating.
This is most likely the reason for so many die cracked coins in the 1800's.
Cracks can be difficult to see, and the most common method of checking for them is using zyglo penetrant and looking for them under an ultraviolet light.
I own a machine shop, by the way.
Ray