Die-deterioration doubling

It is impossible to tell without expensive and lengthy tests whether these errors occurred, but they will lead to significantly weaker dies and a higher tendency to deteriorate quickly.

Decarburization is the result of an improper mix of metals and chemicals in the annealing furnace where the dies are sent to soften.

When the die is subjected to the hubbing press again and work hardened again, it will be softer and more susceptible to wear.

This is a large number of coins produced in a short time, and obviously the die cannot last forever.

The planchet is therefore struck at room temperature, and the only thing which makes the coin form is the tremendous pressure used to strike it.

However, when metal flows over a sharp corner in the die, like the edges of a mintmark or words, it tends to roll the detail out.

Die Deterioration Doubling is most prevalent on the date and mintmark because these fine details are alone in the middle of the field, and the metal must flow into these without the help of other valleys nearby.

Die deterioration doubling is a result of a few simple causes, but it can be difficult to positively identify.

There are a number of different features which appear similar, but the characteristic traits of each are easy to identify with practice.

There are no crisp lines affected, but things generally look bloated, enlarged, blurry, twisted, and damaged.

Many beginning numismatists buy coins thinking they are very valuable, but really are not worth more than a little over face value due to a die deterioration doubling.

This common error fools a number of people into believing that it is a much rarer, and more valuable, form of doubling.

Nevertheless, die deterioration doubling can deceive the beginning numismatist with the high hopes of discovering a new variety and making a fortune.