PO-0.5 and still recognizable?

JoeLewis

Which coin could have the most amount of wear and still be identifiable by date and mintmark (if applicable)? Let's assume the coin has "normal" wear patterns for that series.

ahooka454

Chain cent can get pretty worn.

sinin1

some coins / types do not need a date to be recognizable

ziggy29

I think any coin that can be identified by type, where there is only one date/mintmark for the type, could qualify. Stuff like:

Chain cent (though you couldn't distinguish the AMERI and AMERICA varieties, probably)
1796 quarter
1859 IHC

claychaser

Here's one you can only tell from the rays of the reverse and the O mintmark - so it's a 53-O. In a PO-1 slab:

JoeLewis

<< <i>some coins / types do not need a date to be recognizable >>



True, but I wanted to know which coin could have the most amount of wear and a person could still identify the date.

planetsteve

That's a beautiful coin, claychaser! I'm not one for chasing PO-01s but that one would persuade me.

DennisH

My guess is one of the larger Seated denominations. Relatively speaking, the rims were thick and bold, the date numerals were large, and dates were positioned somewhat away from the rim and close to the base of a bold Liberty design element -- all characteristics that would protect at least parts of the date for a long time as the coin wore down.

ziggy29

<< <i>My guess is one of the larger Seated denominations. Relatively speaking, the rims were thick and bold, the date numerals were large, and dates were positioned somewhat away from the rim and close to the base of a bold Liberty design element -- all characteristics that would protect at least parts of the date for a long time as the coin wore down. >>

Maybe something like an 1847 dime?

DennisH

Ziggy:

Wow!

Colorfulcoins

Here's some more examples from my Pocketpiece collection:

1793 Chain POO1:

1797 1c POO1:

1884 5c POO1:

1837 No Stars 10c POO1:

1964 50c POO1:

1921 Hi Relief $1 POO1:

1908 $2.50 POO1:

09sVDB

Craig: Awesome type P01 coins! I still love my 1890 P01 Morgan.

Shamika

Type 1 Buffalo's are all dated 1913 and have mint marks that are fairly well protected on the reverse so this is a type that can show enormous wear and still be identified as to date and MM. Unfortunately, the date is quick to disappear so although we know all Type 1's are from 1913, the date will not be recognizable.