What caused the decline in coin quality at the US Mint during the Harding adminstration?

291fifth

Does anyone know any factual details of just why there are so many poorly struck cents and nickels during this period? Did the reintroduction of the Silver Dollar have anything to do with it?

BillJones

From what I've read and heard, the demand for new dies to produce millions of unwanted Peace dollars overtaxed the mint system's die making capabilities. That resulted the overuse of worn out dies in the 1920s.

keets

at that time I believe all dies were made in Philadelphia and shipped to the Branch Mints where the proper mm would be applied. so, as Bill said, those Mints and their dies were left to the whims and production capability of Philly Mint workers.

BillJones

Keets is right. All of the dies were made at the Philadelphia Mint at that time and would continue to be made there for many years after that.