In May 2017 we started an analysis of die cracks that we are likening to the uniqueness of fingerprints.  We continue that analysis at this point with dies associated with only two VAMs.

​

To observe the die cracks and breaks magnification is often needed.  Also, high quality images such as the ones we use from VSS also help.  Some die cracks are more visible in the high quality images because contrast is easier to create, which reveals the cracks.  This analysis is really getting "down in the weeds," but that is a part of what makes this fun.  Please remember that you are looking at later die states in most cases and coins of the same die/VAM combination will exist without many of these features.

Obverse Die 14 is a single pairing with Reverse Die a, but produces VAM 24 with VAM designations of 24.1 and 24.2.  VAM 24.2 is actually an earlier die state but was discovered last.  As of this analysis we have seven examples of Die 24.1, and two examples of Die 24.2.

​

28938552       Mint State 63+PL

 

None of the nine examples of either die show any signs of die cracks.

 

Obverse Die 15 is paired with Reverse Die a to produce VAMs 26 and 26A.  We have large quantities of these two VAMs for analysis.  As of this writing there are eighteen VAM 26, thirty-two VAM 26A, and three VAM 51.  When Obverse Die 15 is paired with Reverse Die p it produces VAM 51.

 

VAM 26 is unclashed, while VAMs 26A and 51 are both clashed, but in very different ways.  Neither VAMs 26 or 26A show any die cracks, while VAM 51 is starting to develop a small crack.

​

33025127       Almost Uncirculated 58

 

The cracks shown are light, small, and just starting to develop.  It seems logical that VAM 51 would have come later since it has the double clash.

 

Obverse Die 21 appears only with VAM 32.  Obverse Die 21 (VAM 32) is not rare and we have eight examples ranging from AU 55 to MS 65.  So we have quite a wide range of grades in which to examine coins for die cracks.

​

24042336       Mint State 64

 

None of the examples in our collection exhibit any signs of die cracks or breaks.

 

Obverse Die 23 is associated with VAMs 34, 34A, and 61.  The VAM differential comes from two sources, clashing and reverse die pairing.

 

In its earliest state Obverse Die 23 is seen as VAM 34, where it is paired with Reverse Die a.

​

28502825       Almost Uncirculated 50

 

Our only example is this AU 50, and it is possible that some features like light pitting have worn away.  But the distinctive date doubling is there.  Our one example shows no die cracks, but at AU 50 they would be difficult to distinguish.  We will need more examples in higher grades to prove a lack of cracks.

 

​

31774629       Mint State 63

 

On the VAM 34A the die received a hard clash that is most distinctive at the lips and neck.  But it is the die pairing and not the clash that defines the VAM because the die exists in both clashed and unclashed versions.  At this writing we have sixteen examples in a wide range of grades, and none of these coins exhibit and die cracks.

 

​

81669484       Mint State 64

 

But then when we get to VAM 61, and the reverse pairing with Reverse Die i, a small die crack begins to emerge on some coins at about 3 o'clock.  The die crack is superficial, but there is also a little rim cud which indicates that the die was in decline.

 

Obverse Die 24 is associated only with VAM 35 and reverse die i.  We have thirteen examples ranging from Good 04 through MS 64+, so a wide range of coins to examine.

​

31451530       Mint State 64+

 

The coins exhibit die cracks at the bottom through the date, and at the top from eleven to one o'clock.  The die cracks around the date are seen as low as an AU 50 coin, and on some coins approach being die breaks.

 

The analysis of Obverse Die 25 comes with some disclaimer since we have but a single example.  The die is linked to Reverse Die o to create VAM 36 - Doubled 8-1, O Set Left, Tilted Left.  At one point there was believed to be a 36A, but it has been delisted, so this is a single pairing.

​

31858265       Mint State 63

 

Our single example shows no signs of die cracks so we would assume this is the earliest die state.

 

Obverse Die 29 appears on two VAMs, 43 and 47.  The die is rare, and we have but a single example, an AU 53 in the VAM 43 state.  The die has a doubled first 8 and a doubling of the Phrygian cap at the top.

​

82490285       Almost Uncirculated 53

 

Our single example shows no signs of die cracks but this is by no means a complete analysis.

 

Obverse Die 32 is seen only with VAMs 50 and 50A.  Its distinguishing characteristic is a doubling of the earlobe.  It comes in both a clashed and unclashed version.  As of this analysis we have five VAM 50 and twenty-five VAM 50A coins.  So there is plenty of inventory for analysis.

​

83947765       Mint State 63

 

None of our VAM 50 coins show signs of die cracks or breaks.

 

​

18277242       Mint State 63

 

Often the act of clashing will weaken a die so that cracks begin to develop, but this is not the case with Obverse Die 32.  Our VAM 50A also shows no die cracks in our examples.

 

Obverse Die 42 appears on VAMs 64 and 72 and most of the distinguishing characteristics are on the obverse die.  Both VAMs are our discoveries.

​

30399745       Mint State 62

 

We only have a single example of a VAM 64, so any analysis must have that disclaimer.  But our single example exhibits no die cracks or breaks.

​

28780148       Mint State 63

 

We have three examples of VAM 72, but none of the three examples show any signs of die cracks or breaks.

 

Obverse Die 49 appears only with VAM 73.  As of this discussion it is the newest die identified.  Quite by accident we had a VAM 73 coin ready to submit when the discovery was announced.  So we have one example of VAM 73, and by extension Obverse Die 49.

​

84161425       Almost Uncirculated 58

 

On our single example there are no die cracks or breaks, but this may change as other examples are located.