Can someone explain the difference between a Wire Rim and a Flat Rim on the St. Gaudens $20?

Comments

• ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

  November 28, 2007 10:51PM

  You can go to the PCGS site and click on 'Lingo'... that will help somewhat. However, the pictures you linked to are quite clear.. the wire edge is 'knife-like' as opposed to the 'flat' rim or edge around the second example. The die for the wire rim had no 'edge' allowance and the metal 'flowed' into the crevice. Cheers, RickO

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• Julian Posts: 3,370 ✭✭✭

  November 29, 2007 12:04AM

  There were not two different varieties struck by the mint. There was only one regular issue HR.
  
  The wire rim or partial wire rim came about as the pressure of the striking forced some metal into the collar and consequently: wire rim

  PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows.
  I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
  
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• PerryHall Posts: 46,831 ✭✭✭✭✭

  November 29, 2007 12:58AM

  
  
  << <i>There were not two different varieties struck by the mint. There was only one regular issue HR.
  
  The wire rim or partial wire rim came about as the pressure of the striking forced some metal into the collar and consequently: wire rim >>
  
  
  
  Julian is correct. The creation of a wire rim is also called "finning" and the wire is called a "fin". It's caused by a high pressure strike with a slightly oversized collar that permits metal flow between the die and the collar.
  
  
  
  

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