Determining Die State/Stage

[atrox001]

I always seem to have problems determining die state/stage. What do you all look at when trying to determine a die state? I usually look at strength of the design elements, especially the tops of outer letters close to the rim. I found this 64D Kennedy half dollar (DDO-001) that is giving me problems. The design elements look to be an EDS (see 1st photo), but the obverse and reverse are covered with die scratches (see second photo), I would think that this much heavy polishing would be unusual to see on an EDS…until I noticed a clash mark on the bridge of the nose (see third photo). Could it be that the dies clashed very early and most of the clash marks were polished away? Could this half be an EDS/Stage A?

Thank You
Larry Nienaber

[diamond]

I would agree with your reconstruction of events as expressed in the last two sentences of your post.

[Car10]

Pardon my ignorance but can I assume that the earlier the die state the more desireable the coin?

[diamond]

Yes. An earlier die state shows a crisper design.

[Car10]

Is there any written explanation somewhere I could read that defines the lines of delineation between die state/stages?

[diamond]

Die state refers to a continuum of deterioration. Die stage refers to specific stages in the life of a die as defined by objective die markers -- a die crack here, a die chip there.

[JamesWiles]

The definitive study was done by Delma K. Romines in 1989. His research was published in Errorscope Vol. 5, No. 2 (March/April, 1996), page 12-13.
It is possible to have an EDS with a die clash and subsequent die polishing marks. EDS is determined by the amount of die wear (metal flow lines). Die stage on the other hand begins with a clean die and progresses as the die tears (cracks, chips, clashes, scratches etc.). So theoretically you can have:
Stage A: clean die - EDS.
Stage B: die clash - EDS.
Stage C: die scratches - EDS.
Stage D: whatever - EMDS.