I know it is a striking error, but what?

[wavysteps]

While I do understand varieties, my knowledge of striking errors is somewhat limited. Case in point; these are pictures of what I believe is a 1983 Lincoln cent.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/Wavystep2003/P8230001.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/Wavystep2003/P8230002.jpg

While the reverse seems normal, the obverse is definitely not. One feature that I could not capture is the indent on the obverse of the Memorial building outline. I have a feeling that this was caused by at least two planchets/coins in the striking chamber. HELP!!!!

BJ Neff

[JamesWiles]

BJ. I would call that a struck through late stage capped die. The die cap has thinned out enough for Lincoln to start showing through.

[diamond]

Yes, it's a generic capped die strike. I'm not sure if it's a conventional late-stage die cap, or a mid- to late-stage uniface die cap. The two are almost impossible to distinguish as they both allow a ghost image of Lincoln to bleed through. There's something going on at the base of the left side of the Memorial. Seems to be a raised blemish of some sort. Die damage?

A capped die strike from a uniface die cap is easier to distinguish when there is just a trace of Lincoln's ghost, but no sign of the incuse pillars of the Memorial.

[wavysteps]

James and Mike - Thank you for your replies. I had an idea that this was due to a capped die, but was not real sure.

As with all 1983 (just about) reverses, this has its share of die cracks and chips. The left base does have a die chip that extends as a crack to the rim. The right base has a die crack to the rim as does the left roof corner, through the E of UNITED into the rim and the right cornice corner has a die crack that touches the R of AMERICA on its way to the rim. Also, the die has been abraded to remove at least two different die clashes. Busy reverse, LOL.

Thanks again.

BJ Neff