1964-D Jefferson Nickel RPM? MD? Stared too long zoomed in?

[bombtech25]

I'd like to know if the coin pictured below has an RPM and if so, which?

The coin is a 1964-D Jefferson Nickel graded MS66PL by NGC. I bought it raw in roll form and the coin seemed odd from first sight. The rim is slightly striated. The surfaces are highly reflective. Coins in the roll (including this one) still had metal shavings attached. There are very heavy die polish lines throughout. So heavy that they initially seemed great candidates for Harshly Cleaned. I sent it off to NGC with my mind focused on the PL attributes and not varieties. As stated, it came back MS66PL. The surfaces made for some hideous photos and the encapsulation complicates obtaining some imaging angles. Nevertheless, below are the photos. I took them with a cellphone and macro lens. I will add, the steps in the mint mark don't jump out at you. They're evident at certain angles. Your inputs would be appreciated. Thanks

[mustbebob]

It certainly appears to me MD to me. The fact that the areas to the west and south cut into the design seem pretty clear that we are talking machine damage here.

[bombtech25]

It certainly appears to me MD to me. The fact that the areas to the west and south cut into the design seem pretty clear that we are talking machine damage here.

Thank you. Can you expound upon what you mean by cut into the design? I'm used to seeing one shelf from MD but couldn't wrap my head around multiple; if that is in fact what I'm seeing.

Assuming there are multiple shelves to the doubling, you are bored, and have the patience to explain things as if I'm a 5yr old, I'd love to be walked through how it happens. Thanks again.

Pete

[mustbebob]

Hi Pete. I'd be happy to explain it for you and hopefully you will be able to wrap your mind about how this anomaly happens.

I think you have the idea of what MD is, but just don't realize that it could very easily be multiple indicators on some coins. In the older days...we used to call it die chatter. It is when the die actually bounces when it hits the struck coin. Any subsequent bounce causes the little step like area on a coin's already struck primary design (devices). By using the words 'cutting into', I am referring to a normally struck device (in this case the D mintmark) being cut into by the die on each bounce. When that happens, a little bit of the normal device is cut away and flattened.
On your coin, it you take that D mintmark and then add the multiple areas that are flattened, you would then get a normally size letter. If you had an actual variety (like a doubled die or Repunched mintmark) then the overall size of that letter/number is increased and the extra hubbing cause a more raised and rounded addition to the devices.

Something else to keep in mind. MD can affect only one device, or multiple devices. Because the die or collar is loose, then not all MD will be exactly the same from coin to coin. There are also other reasons for MD like ejection type doubling, but it may not be the right time to address those issues.

I hope my explanation if OK. If not, I can try something else.

[bombtech25]

Hi Pete. I'd be happy to explain it for you and hopefully you will be able to wrap your mind about how this anomaly happens.
.

Very much appreciated and understood. Judging by the moderator icon beneath your name and your ease in discussion of the subject, I won't hold my breath waiting for someone to unseat your thoughts. I'll let the wife know to cancel that fur coat.

[mustbebob]

The fur coats are always the first to go. :-)