Life of modern coinage dies
RWB
Posts: 8,082 ✭
Quite a while ago, someone asked how many coins were struck from modern dies. I posted some info on cent and nickel dies from 1909, but had nothing on more modern dies. The following were data located by chance. Although these numbers are 30 years old, they may still be relevant to specialists of various series, particularly Ike dollars.
Average die life as reported for April 1974, Philadelphia Mint.
Cent obv 554,832
Cent rev 485,777
Nickel obv 215,545
Nickel rev 165,042
Dime obv 125,566
Dime rev 207,694
Quart obv 256,080
Quart rev 294,250
Half obv 263,260
Half rev 278,459
Dol obv 256,128
Dol rev 63,988
I found numerous mention of this type of list in modern files, but this was the only example I could locate.
Average die life as reported for April 1974, Philadelphia Mint.
Cent obv 554,832
Cent rev 485,777
Nickel obv 215,545
Nickel rev 165,042
Dime obv 125,566
Dime rev 207,694
Quart obv 256,080
Quart rev 294,250
Half obv 263,260
Half rev 278,459
Dol obv 256,128
Dol rev 63,988
I found numerous mention of this type of list in modern files, but this was the only example I could locate.
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Comments
third of a century. This has led to much improved die life. Also the
composition change of the cent and lowering of designs has im-
proved die life.
The quarter numbers are fairly accurate again because the states
issues are obsolete about the time they get them debugged.
The planchet’s size, hardness, design intricacy, and relief determine the force needed to strike. Golden Dollar coins require the greatest force, and pennies require the least force.
So the idea that every denomination is not struck the same makes it somewhat difficult to come to some conclusion of some sort when comparing the numbers.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
<< <i>Quite a while ago, someone asked how many coins were struck from modern dies. I posted some info on cent and nickel dies from 1909, but had nothing on more modern dies. The following were data located by chance. Although these numbers are 30 years old, they may still be relevant to specialists of various series, particularly Ike dollars.
Average die life as reported for April 1974, Philadelphia Mint.
Cent obv 554,832
Cent rev 485,777
Nickel obv 215,545
Nickel rev 165,042
Dime obv 125,566
Dime rev 207,694
Quart obv 256,080
Quart rev 294,250
Half obv 263,260
Half rev 278,459
Dol obv 256,128
Dol rev 63,988
I found numerous mention of this type of list in modern files, but this was the only example I could locate. >>
RWB, was referred to your thread. As an Ike researcher I am really interested in "Dol rev 63,988", a very strange number, and wondered if you could double check it?
Even better, could you share the source with me?
The Ike Group is trying to get a handle on the use and impact of the "tougher" die steel available in '72 and possibly/probably used for the 1972-S BS Silver and 1972 T3 Ikes produced late in '72, and of course for all subsequent Ikes.
Any input would be most appreciated. Rob
Questions about Ikes? Go to The IKE GROUP WEB SITE
100,000 obverse
120,000 reverse
I was under the impression that the harder steel was to extend die life, not shorten it as was accomplished for the reverse dies. (from 120,000 down to 63,988).
The name is LEE!
as the bore on a Springfeild 06 and M1 Garand.
About 50/75 thousand rounds max -- coincidence??
<< <i><STRONG>Working dies once had about the same life span
as the bore on a Springfeild 06 and M1 Garand.
About 50/75 thousand rounds max -- coincidence??</STRONG> >>
Mostly.
I would think that there would be exceptionally little wear
from the bullet in a properly funtioning firearm and that most
of the wear and tear would be erosion caused by the rapid-
ly expanding and burning powder.
PM sent in response to your note. I can send you a PDF of the original document as soon as I have your email.
<< <i>ModernDollarNut -
PM sent in response to your note. I can send you a PDF of the original document as soon as I have your email. >>
RWB, thanks. I just checked and my PM was turned off so your PM didn't get through, sorry.
Email address is doctortrucker@aol.com (it's being published in The Numismatist, why not here?). Rob
Questions about Ikes? Go to The IKE GROUP WEB SITE
"I find those numbers intriguing since the numbers for dollars quoted by Howard F. Johnson - Chief, Assay Laboratories in a letter to Russell Rulau of Coin World, dated July 24th, 1972 tauted:
100,000 obverse
120,000 reverse"
An interesting thing happened to that reverse die life number.
When Coin World printed the article, a typo of 200,000 for 1971 dollar reverse die life snuck in. That's 1.
Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine evidently copied it. That's 2.
Walter Breen Encylcopedia used NSM as his source. That's 3.
Dave Bowers Silver Dollar Encyclopedia used Breen as his source. That's 4.