Introduction:
Die State
Die State
Now to a different subject: Die State. This is a tremendous effort of research. It has come to my aid several times in doing the die progression listings for the RPMs. I distinguish die stage as “die tear” and die state as “die wear.” Die state should not be considered when grading. A VLDS (very late die state) can come from the mint in perfect condition, while an VEDS (very early die state) can come beat up with bag marks. The grade of a coin is its condition of preservation and has nothing to do with the state of the dies that struck it. However, if I have a choice between an MS-67 VLDS and a MS-64 EDS, I'll take the EDS every time, because the variety has exceptional eye appeal not because it has a higher grade. The coin below is a 1960 DDR-002, 2-R-VI. The extra thickness of the letters is due to the doubled die. However, what I want to you to see is the crispness of the lettering and how that deteriorates as the die wears.
| EDS - Early Die State | |
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| Designer's Initials |
OF |
| MDS - Mid Die State | |
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| Designer's Initials |
OF |
| LDS - Late Die State | |
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| Designer's Initials |
OF |
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Doubled Dies |
Mintmark Varieties |
RPDs and MPDs |
Die Errors |
| About CONECA |
About the Author |
Copyright James Wiles, 2011
Email: jameswiles@sbcglobal.net
1490 Trail View Lane
Frisco, TX 75034-2649