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Attn: Gold Collectors, what are you thoughts on die cracks?

DeusExMachinaDeusExMachina Posts: 1,325 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
I have seen several examples of interesting gold coins with large die cracks. At first glance, I consider them to be distracting but I am not sure if I consider them distracting enough to avoid altogether.

Does anyone else have this "problem" or have an opinion?

Dealers, do you have problems moving these coins?

Comments

  • GoldenEyeNumismaticsGoldenEyeNumismatics Posts: 13,187 ✭✭✭
    die cracks can add some interest to coins--but it is in the eye of the beholder whether they are worth any premium
  • CladiatorCladiator Posts: 18,160 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The handfull of US gold coins I've owned have all had pretty nice die cracks in them (purely by chance). I think die cracks are very cool in gold. The cracks stand out really well on the gold. It's almost like a tiny gold vein. So in a nutshell...I dig 'em image
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,612 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The handfull of US gold coins I've owned have all had pretty nice die cracks in them (purely by chance). I think die cracks are very cool in gold. The cracks stand out really well on the gold. It's almost like a tiny gold vein. So in a nutshell...I dig 'em image >>



    I agree but I won't pay extra for them since they are fairly common on gold coins.





    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

  • DeusExMachinaDeusExMachina Posts: 1,325 ✭


    << <i>die cracks can add some interest to coins--but it is in the eye of the beholder whether they are worth any premium >>



    I certainly would not pay a premium for a gold coin w/ die cracks but maybe others would. Interesting point, I never thought about them that way.
  • TheRavenTheRaven Posts: 4,148 ✭✭✭✭
    Never paid much attention to them, I would not pay a premium for such a thing.....
    Collection under construction: VG Barber Quarters & Halves
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,900 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In 98% of the cases, there's no reason to ever pay a premium for
    coins with die cracks, especially gold...

    Gold coins with die cracks (except cuds and retained cuds) are what
    I call "White Elephants".....the coin is worth more as a gold coin,
    than the value of a few die cracks on a $200-$1,000 gold coin.

    Also, don't forget that every coin struck from that cracked die will
    exhibit the die cracks - could be many hundreds, or many thousands
    of coins like it.........with a high gold content or gold numismatic premium.

    Fred
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • saintgurusaintguru Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭
    I like them. It's a part of the uniqueness of the coin. Premium...no! But I wouldn't expect a discount either.

    take a 1925-S Saint...many, many of them have die cracks all around the periphery. Mine has 13! And it's a PQ MS64.

    ps. PCGS will NOT discount a coin for "typical" die crack formation. I have seen ultra-rarities like a MS66 27-D Saint with a die crack through the eagle's beak.
    image
  • LongacreLongacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
    I really like them. I have a quarter eagle with a nice cud on the reverse. It adds to the coin, in my opinion (but not monetarily)
    Always took candy from strangers
    Didn't wanna get me no trade
    Never want to be like papa
    Working for the boss every night and day
    --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭


    << <i>I have seen ultra-rarities like a MS66 27-D Saint with a die crack through the eagle's beak. >>


    That might even be a plus because it could possibly be used as a die marker to help authenticate the coin. Like the die crack through the mint mark on 1872-74 Carson City dimes.
  • Aegis3Aegis3 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭


    << <i>ps. PCGS will NOT discount a coin for "typical" die crack formation. I have seen ultra-rarities like a MS66 27-D Saint with a die crack through the eagle's beak. >>



    That's a known die scratch.
    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • constructconstruct Posts: 932
    Die cracks are good for authentication. I love to see them, but I won't pay extra for them.
    The strangest things seem suddenly routine.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,612 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Die cracks are good for authentication. I love to see them, but I won't pay extra for them. >>



    Fake coins can have die cracks. If the parent coin from which the counterfeit transfer die is made has die cracks or other defects, these characteristics will be reproduced on the counterfeit coins struck from this die.



    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

  • constructconstruct Posts: 932


    << <i>

    << <i>Die cracks are good for authentication. I love to see them, but I won't pay extra for them. >>



    Fake coins can have die cracks. If the parent coin from which the counterfeit transfer die is made has die cracks or other defects, these characteristics will be reproduced on the counterfeit coins struck from this die. >>



    Yes, I've thought about that. However a transfered die crack ought to be weaker--different--just like a depression looks different from a hit. A sharp crisp die crack can, I think, be an argument in favor of authenticity in much the same way that crisp letters and devices are a characteristic of authentic coins.
    The strangest things seem suddenly routine.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,612 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You are correct. Counterfeits made from transfer dies show fine die cracks in a weaker and less distinct fashion. A lot depends on the skills of the counterfeiter.









    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

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