1959 D Lincoln, question about that years strikes.

Rob85635

While perusing a roll of pennies I bought from the bank, I came across what I would grade a RD MS63 1959 D Lincoln. I was surprised when I looked at that date I thought it was more modern.

My question is about the quality history of that coin. The coin is very nice and does not show signs of cleaning, the reverse is VERY sweet, nice detail no distracting marks and seems very nice to me. The front of the coin however is what I would call "Mushy". The detail is not sharp. Lincolns hair shows almost no detail compared to another coin of the same grade as the reverse.

Why would the reverse be sharp and crisp and the front "mushy". As I said, it does not show signs of cleaning (but then again, I still have problems identifying cleaned coins unless they have been whizzed). I was wondering if maybe the die for the obverse has been polished resulting in the mushy appearance?

Sorry, no pictures available at this time. I am working on getting my camera set back up after a recent move. I can take a quick pic if anyone is really interested in seeing it sometime this week.

Thanks,

Rob the Newbie

eyoung429

I am sure that Coppercoins, Mozappa or the other copper guru's would be able to answer this a whole lot clearer than I can but from what I remember, the obv dies were used a whole lot more in the late 50's and they had more reverse dies that were made in the mid-50's...it's just a marriage of an older obv die and a newer rev die.

cladking

In the old days on the slower presses it was less unusual to swap out only
a single die. The cost of having a press down is much higher with high speed
presses with four sets of dies so when it goes down everything with some wear
is swapped out.

Believe it or not, gems can be found for all the moderns right up to the present
day and relief was still high even back in the '70's. One cent coins are among the
better made though finding pristine examples can be more of a challenge. Copper
(as well as zinc) takes an impression well and dies can make a lot of nice coins be-
fore showing wear.

CaptHenway

<< <i>In the old days on the slower presses it was less unusual to swap out only
a single die. The cost of having a press down is much higher with high speed
presses with four sets of dies so when it goes down everything with some wear
is swapped out.

Believe it or not, gems can be found for all the moderns right up to the present
day and relief was still high even back in the '70's. One cent coins are among the
better made though finding pristine examples can be more of a challenge. Copper
(as well as zinc) takes an impression well and dies can make a lot of nice coins be-
fore showing wear. >>



What he said.
TD