1973-S 1C initials & RPM

[Shleppodella1]

Are the initials EDS or minor doubling?
The MM looks suspiciously close to some of the proof examples of Wexler's listings but this is a business strike obviously.

[MintErrors]

Shleppodella1

In my opinion, although there seems to be something there on the S mintmark its probably not RPM related.

That area in question near the middle of the S is just too straight. Nothing on the primary S is going to line up with it. One can create an overlay and spin a S at weird angles and one may never find a match.

And before some one asks if it could be a S over D, know that this is not o e of those years for over mint marks (OMM)

This may simply be a sliver of material from the planchet itself. We have to remember that the S mintmark is hammered into these working dies. That little hole then has tons of pressure around it from the working dies squeezing that planchet. The working dies lift and its almost a miracle that as the dies lift and separate that the mintmark comes out of that hole without being scalped.

I too looked at the varietyvista listings and there are only two proof listings. Like you said this is a business strike and not a proof. So, the only other thing to do is to check coppercoins and maybe doubleddie.com . I would be honestly surprised if a match is found because of the straightness of the area in question. I can not stress enough.... trust those resources.

No listings at doubleddie.com and four proof only listings at coppercoins.

This could be something going on with the mintmark punch itself or a piece of extra material in the mint mark hole. Its tough to know for absolute certainty.

Here is a look at the mint mark style used for 1973 S, mms-008

http://varietyvista.com/25%20What%20...k%20Styles.htm

The mintmark might seem a bit thicker on your coin but, i think its due to die wear.

[MintErrors]

The FG initials to me look flaky, from what i can see from the photos. I will have to scratch my head and try to remember if i still have any DDRs left that has doubled designer initials and snap a photo or, find a reliable photo of a doubled FG online.

[Shleppodella1]

Here's a better picture of the initials. They look split.

[MintErrors]

Shleppodella1

Appreciate the extra photo. I went to the storage early Am and I finally found a DDR that might show enough of a doubled FG. This is not one of the best, but I wanted to show one that I have for comparison.

The designer initials and the side of the building below column 12 can be doubled at the same time. I got lucky with the lighting to show the FG, so I took the photo as is, without centering. This happens to be a 1960 Proof with DDO-005 and DDR-008 EDS and some Cameo.

1960 prf FG x4.jpg

[MintErrors]

Those step like areas... The "center" of that flat area per "step" can look like mini swimming pools if the area is doubled. The stronger the "pool look" is relative to how strong the DDR is. Dtronger DDR the pool effect is easier to see.

[Shleppodella1]

So mine is smeared or twisted from the strike and NOT a doubled initials? Because mine looks different.

[MintErrors]

Shleppodella1

Your coin does not appear to be a doubled FG. Add in that no doubled die reverses were found/documented on the business strike 1973 S cents.

The initials are just like any other device. They would be doubled, with one impression over the other like the example i provided. I admit the one I show isnt as dramatic as most DDRs that show the designer initials doubled.

I say this alot but its important. Trust the resources. Its been nearly 52 years and there arent any 1973S business strike DDRs documented. So its a good chance none will be found.

I just call'em like i see them. I don't try to sugar coat anything because it might muddy the educational portion i try to add to each post. I may be a bit long winded but i want to try to educate and see if i can explain my side of the story as best I can.

Happy hunting.

[Shleppodella1]

OK thank you Gary!
It only makes me work harder, I'll keep looking.

[eaxtellcoin]

1973_P_-FG_EDS.jpg 1973_P_-FG_MDS.jpg 1973_P_-FG_EDS(2).jpg Shleppodella1,
Morning - the designer initials are a question I had a while back. But on a 1973-P, So what we have here actually is a Master Die - What you are seeing on a 1973-S also shows on 1973-P with re worked designer initials. I Found this also on a few different 1973-P Cent reverse dies..
Hope this helps.
Eric

[Shleppodella1]

That helps alot thankX!
Would this be a coin that would be a candidate for attribution here please if I'm understanding correctly to verify the working die theory?

[eaxtellcoin]

Not Coneca. You can send an e-mail to Dr. Wiles if you wish. And refer him to the post, see what he thinks..
Coneca only lists doubled working dies and RPM's. I'm not sure - anywhere is there a list of doubled "Master" dies - To me this is a re worked master die, not a doubled working die.

[Shleppodella1]

Thank you for that. One more question is this other BN a re-worked die (in pic) the same thing or am I way off because it looks really close.