I don't want to give the date away but both these dimes are of the same date. They are both from the same Mint. They are AU/UNC. They are struck about the same.
It appears that there are two different styles of dies used for the reverses of these. The flames on the torch are different. The licks of the flame are shaped differently, The cuts along the right side of the flame are different.
It also appears that the lettering is different. The coin on the right has finer lettering. On the coin on the right, there is a separation between the A and M of AMERICA that is not present on the coin on the left. ( I have to get some pics of that set up)
Note the distance of the flame from the S. On the coin on the left, there is a normal groove on the lick of flame to the extreme right that does not appear on the coin on the right.
Can anyone elaborate on this? Might I have found a possible transitional reverse die for this series on this particular year which I do not want to divulge yet? :-)
Are there any known situations like this?
I still need to obtain a proof coin of this year to compare these reverses to a reverse used on a proof. Maybe a proof reverse?
I don't know, it's all conjecture at this point. By the way, it does not appear to be a die polishing issue or a die wear issue.
Thanks,
Bill
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