Found in pennies: Die crack? Lamination Error?

Lambeau

Hey guys another penny from my search was this guy. Is this considered a die crack or a lamination error or what? Does it bring any sort of premium or is it common? Thanks!

MrSpud

Just a guess. looks like a plating defect where there is a sort of a bubble where the copper didn't plate to the zinc properly. i've seen lots of somewhat similar thingss in the zinc/copper cents from the 80's when they were'nt as well plated as they are nowadays.

JRocco

Looks like a gouge- like something hit/contacted the working die and left in incuse mark on it and that would result in a raised gouge on the finished coin.
Kinda like "Lincoln dropping his doob"

StrikeOutXXX

I'm no expert, but I believe that is improper copper plating.

I had a similar one a few months back, in my "What is this post", errormaven gave me this advice:

"If you want to distinguish between a die gouge and a "blister", place the coin under a microscope and gently press on the bump with the tip of a toothpick. If it flexes, it's a blister. If it does not flex, it's a die gouge or die dent. "

Lambeau

<< <i>I'm no expert, but I believe that is improper copper plating.

I had a similar one a few months back, in my "What is this post", errormaven gave me this advice:

"If you want to distinguish between a die gouge and a "blister", place the coin under a microscope and gently press on the bump with the tip of a toothpick. If it flexes, it's a blister. If it does not flex, it's a die gouge or die dent. " >>




Thanks StrikeOutXXX, It sort of flexes so I'm pretty sure it's a blister. (Though I don't really know the actual difference between blister and die gauge)

I feel kinda dumb asking all these questions!

Leiana

<< <i>Thanks StrikeOutXXX, It sort of flexes so I'm pretty sure it's a blister. (Though I don't really know the actual difference between blister and die gauge) >>



A blister is where the copper layer doesn't quite fuze to the zinc layer, while a die gouge is where the die itself has an incuse area of damage that would lead to a raised bit of metal on the coin.

And, the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked!

-Amanda

Thenewguy

<< <i>It sort of flexes so I'm pretty sure it's a blister. (Though I don't really know the actual difference between blister and die gauge) >>


With a blister the copper plating is lose from the zinc and will usually flex. With a die gouge the coin metal (zinc & plating both) flow up into the gouge on the die and become a struck feature on the coin and are solid just like the letters and other devices on the coin. Also any coins struck with that die after the gouge occurs on the die will have the same feature (gouge) where as the blister is a random happening usually caused by contamination on the zinc blank before plating. At least that is my understanding.


Here is an example of a die gouge, I have four of them that came from the same roll and all look the same.


Edited to add pic.

Lambeau

Thanks Everybody!