1942-D, 1943-D Merc die cracks

CarlWohlforth · October 25, 2003 9:32AM

It just so happens that I was looking at two dimes in a row that have evidence of die cracks in just about the same place. I was wondering if this is fairly wide spread? These are small cracks I didn't notice at first. They are almost exactly in the same place.

1942-D:

1943-D:

The '43-D has another crack along Mercury's hair curls up to the B in LIBERTY:

Thanks to a tip from a forum member I knew to try putting a loupe between my camera and the coin! Thanks!

coinkat · October 25, 2003 9:39AM

I have a 43-d with a die crack on the obverse that basically separates the coin into two 180 degree areas... Its interesting but I am not convinced that there is much of a premium associated with the coin other than its state of preservation.

XpipedreamR · October 25, 2003 9:40AM

Wow! Cool die cracks and great pictures!

I wonder if maybe that area of the die is just more vulnerable to increased stress due to the nature of the design for some reason. I have many Washingtons from different years, mints, that have cracks in the same areas.

Maybe it's just coincidence.

wingedliberty · October 25, 2003 9:46AM

Nice observations. There are no premiums attached to these since this is a common focal area for die cracks, but very cool to look at.

Fairlaneman · October 25, 2003 10:14AM

Die cracks from Wingtip to rim are known for nearly every date in the series.The location of a major design element such as Liberty's Wing so close to the rim created a pressure point at which die failure was likely to occur.

This is the explanation from Mr Lange in his book The complete guide to Mercury Dimes. It seems this would hold true with any coin series that has a major design element close to the rim.

Ken

1942-D, 1943-D Merc die cracks

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