Hinkle Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 This is odd, was this some how cut off during the minting process. I don't see any kind of activity going on around the letter. Hmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coinbuf Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 Not cut off blocked off, most likely by a partial grease fill. Mike Meenderink and Hinkle 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Meenderink Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 Coinbuf is correct .You can see where the metal went instead of finishing the B it back flowed into the open areas of the unfinished B. Hinkle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWB Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 Completely filling just a precise portion of the "B" - but not blending relief, is problematical. Off hand, I'd vote for damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleRJO Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 (edited) I agree with damage as it would be very unlikely for just the side of the "B" to be grease filled in such a well defined straight line like that. It looks like a hit mashed the side of the "B" before that displaced metal came off, with indications or a shadow of where the displaced metal was. There have been numerous topics where parts of characters on coins made of copper, which is a very soft metal, have been displaced or completely knocked off. Edited December 4, 2023 by EagleRJO Hinkle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Meenderink Posted December 3, 2023 Share Posted December 3, 2023 On 12/3/2023 at 11:53 AM, RWB said: Completely filling just a precise portion of the "B" - but not blending relief, is problematical. Off hand, I'd vote for damage. I am seeing the entire centers of the unfinished B raised up slightly as if a stage as built between them. Where do you suggest this malformed extra metal came from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J P M Posted December 4, 2023 Share Posted December 4, 2023 (edited) It looks like a there is a scrape on the coin just between the B and E and the metal was scooped away long ago. Edited December 4, 2023 by J P M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWB Posted December 4, 2023 Share Posted December 4, 2023 On 12/3/2023 at 5:14 PM, Mike Meenderink said: I am seeing the entire centers of the unfinished B raised up slightly as if a stage as built between them. Where do you suggest this malformed extra metal came from? There's a color/tone change but no clear relief. Also, if part of the incuse lettering were filled, any displaced metal would flow into other incuse areas, not onto what is raised (relief) on a die. powermad5000 and Mike Meenderink 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powermad5000 Posted December 7, 2023 Share Posted December 7, 2023 I am also leaning towards some type of damage/mischief to that area that cutoff the tips of the letter. To me, it is too straight of a line to be anything else. Hinkle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...