In The News …

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Thomas Baalman

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of John Frye

September 18, 2009—In Ken Potter’s recent article in Numismatic News, he says: “After a major lapse in time, I am again getting reports on major die crack varieties found on proof coins. The latest two are both on the Professional Life Lincoln cent reverse and were found in August.

Thomas Baalman of Kansas reported the first one to Numismatic News on Aug. 6. It features a major die crack that runs from center of the bushes at front right corner of the old Illinois capitol building into the field, through the “T” of CENT and the rim. He ordered two of the regular 18-coin proof sets from the Mint and found one in each set. I listed it in the Variety Coin Register for the date, Mint and type as VCR#1/DCR#1.

John Frye of Kentucky found another major die crack on a proof version of this cent while searching through three 18-coin silver proof sets that he received from the Mint in early August and found one with a spike-like die crack that runs from the center of the bushes to the right of Lincoln down into the field and through Lincoln’s left leg, (viewer’s right), the tip of his right shoe, through the left vertical of the “N” of CENT and the rim. He found it on Aug. 17 when he decided to check over the three clad and three silver sets that he owned.”

He then goes on to describe the rarity of major die cracks on proof coins, possible causes, estimated values and explains that die cracks on business strike (circulation quality) coinage rarely ever adds any value.