1855 Braided Hair Liberty Large Cent

[Jbhbuoy]

Had fun tracking this one down and I'm not sure of my conclusions so looking for some feedback. This coin was minted from 1839 to 1857. The date on it was almost obliterated, as you can see along with several cracks. My first thought was PMD, but after some research I found that in 1855 they had a die problem that caused an error variety called "Ear Knob". I looked at pictures of that variety and noticed that it had die cracks in the same place as my coin, (along with the "Ear Knob" die error or chip. While this coin does not have the "Knob", I believe this coin was perhaps after the die experienced catastrophic failure after the "Knob" versions. Examinations of the cracks reveal portions of the cracks filled with metal from the stamping, also, the die cracks in places are underneath the design impressions of the coin. Please feel free to comment. Am I all wet or did I nail the date, 1855? Or perhaps a new variety?

[mustbebob]

Never heard of this Ear Knob before, but did some research. If this coin does not have the knob, (or the die chip) it can not be considered that anomaly. I do not see anything that leads me to believe this is one of the coins struck with the die. This coin can not possibly be struck after a catastrophic failure. Once the die hits that point, the dies are removed. What your coin does have is significant damage (Post Mint). It's a pity the obverse doesn't look as good as the reverse.
I also can not see any cracks filled with metal from the striking. Everything I am seeing appears to be damage.
In my opinion, it could be dated anywhere from the series (1839-1857), but based on the damage, it would be impossible to validate a date.

[Jbhbuoy]

Thanks Bob! I'm Not an expert, maybe I'm a bit hasty on my conclusion, although here is the link to that "Knob on Ear" variety.
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/...ob-ear-bn/1913

The magnified picture on PCGS shows a very similar crack protruding from ear towards the R in Liberty. The crack on this coin continues after the R which looks to be stamped over the crack. Also, a couple more pictures of the cracks that have metal in them.

[Jbhbuoy]

My first thought was PMD. I'm having a hard time thinking whatever damaged this coin traveled across the base of the T, damaged the coin between the T and the R, didn't touch the R, then continued on the band above it and then through the field. I'm sure there is some damage here especially the date, but I just have too many questions. Feel free to straighten me out!

[MintErrors]

in my opinion, It looks like some one may have attempted to hammer the date flat for some odd reason, It obviously makes no sense to do the "18" but, to each their own. I agree with Bob - this is simply post mint damage, done after it left the mint. Once the coin has a good strike, that the first good thing. The first bad thing is, that the coins enter circulation and people can subject these to all sorts of weird experiments.

in my opinion, you cannot read other people's thoughts or intentions that were in play when this coin was manipulated - honestly - it doesn't matter how it was done or who did it - the end result is a post mint damaged coin. Time to move on.

[mustbebob]

First, I told you I did my research on the ear knob, but thanks very much for the reference. That was the refence I used to make my conclusion that this was in fact NOT the ear knob variety. (That and the fact it doesn't remotely look like it). I don't know how you could possibly make any determinations based on the VERY visible damage all over the obverse of that coin. This is obviously old damage, and like any other coin put in circulation, it wears. I think that is what you think is metal in the cracks. Please also remember that die cracks are common. Die cracks are raised on the struck coin, therefore, they do have metal in them. Post mint die scratches are dug into the coins surface, and subsequent wear will curl or push the raised edges of that scratch into the groove. This is all very evident on your coin. That also explains why the letters of LIBERTY appear to be smooth with the damage not affecting them. It did affect them, but has since worn smooth.
I am 100% confident on my assessment of your coin. Of course, yo are free to wait for, or search for other opinions more in line with what you are wishing for.

[Jbhbuoy]

Thanks for straightening me out! Wishful thinking on my part. I guess I led myself astray.