Not your every-day "Missing FG" 1971 D Lincoln Cent :]

[jacobgill2290]

Coin Description:

• 1971-D Lincoln Memorial Cent
• Reverse shows completely missing FG initials
• Multiple cuds/die breaks visible on the reverse:
  • Rightmost two columns of the Memorial exhibit cud formations
  • A cud is present on the upper right roof corner, with additional breakage on the lower right steps
• Within the roof cud, there appears to be a raised outline of the “G” from the designer’s initials. This outline is raised, not incuse, which would be consistent with a retained design element from a failed die rather than a polished or grease-filled die.

Why I believe this is significant:

• The “Missing FG” is typically attributed to over-polishing or grease-filled dies.
• In this case, however, the evidence strongly suggests that the absence of FG may instead be due to die breakage, with partial raised design detail preserved in the cud.
• If confirmed, this would represent a different mechanism for the Missing FG anomaly on 1971-D cents, distinct from the commonly seen “over-polished die” explanation.

Supporting Evidence:
I have taken high-magnification photos highlighting:

• The raised fragment resembling the “G” inside the cud at the upper right roof corner
• Additional cuds in the columns and steps
• The overall absence of FG initials

I’d be very interested in the community’s thoughts on this piece, and whether CONECA has previously cataloged a Missing FG with cud-related retained design for the 1971-D cent.

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, cuds need to touch the rim. You can learn more at cuds on coins.
I can clearly see the hills of the designer initials. The FG is there, its simply a grease filled / debris filled area or, were heavily abraded and scratched out the initials. Those are possibly die chips, not cuds.

Missing FG happened a lot in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
I have over 30 rolls of "no FG" of which one roll consists of no indication of the designers initials. 1968S, 1969S, 1970S and many others.

This was pretty common. Many of the missing FG initials also have the "floating roof" which was abraded / scratched away by a mint worker doing maintenance.

As far as the rest, unless there in clear evidence of initials some where else, its subjective. Close enough is not close enough in this hobby. The only way to stake a claim on the misplaced initials is to send it in to a third party grading service, to see if they would even entertain the possibility. Odds are they wont, and slab it as a normal coin, keeping all the cash. It may be a costly learning experience.

Again, missing FG was very common occurance. I dont see anything dramatic here.

Add a post to the CONECA SERVICES forum under examinations and a CONECA staff member will eventually answer your inquiry. It may cost a nominal fee.

[jacobgill2290]

ill make sure to brush up on my terminology and see if I can get a better quality photos.
I guess up until then; this is as clear as I got for now.

appreciate the feedback!

[MintErrors]

In my opinion,feel free to add photos if you want.
I suggest you try to size that area up to the G in the designers intials.
Eyeballing the size and shape wise they dont look close, to me.

I have given my opinion. I am done here.