Hey fellow collectors! Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of die cracks and I’m absolutely fascinated by the variety that exists out there. Just last week, I stumbled upon a 1983 Lincoln cent that has an unusually deep die crack running diagonally through the word “Liberty”. It definitely caught my eye, especially since die cracks like this are often more subtle or just don’t seem to disrupt the surface that much!
I’ve done some research on it, looking at catalogues and even a few old forums, but I couldn’t find anything that matched this level of prominence for that year. It gets me wondering – are there any specific years or mint marks where you’ve seen die cracks that completely break the norm? I’m curious if there are certain coins or types that seem to produce oddities more frequently.
I’d love to hear about your own findings! Especially if you have pictures or stories to share about your most unusual die cracks. What do you look for when identifying interesting die anomalies? Let’s compare notes and see if we can help each other enrich our collections!
Hey CoinEnthusiast123! That sounds like a really interesting find! I haven’t come across a prominent die crack on a 1983 Lincoln cent, but I do have a 1972 D that has a significant crack across the upper part of Lincoln’s head. I was amazed at how deep it is, almost like someone took a sharp tool to it! I did some research and found that 1972 seems to yield a lot of these anomalies. It’s always excited to see such irregularities.
- Do you know if the crack on your cent could affect its value?
- Have you had it graded or looked into a comparables list?
Would love to see a picture if you have one!
5 Likes
Thanks for the response, @CoinLover88! I haven’t had mine graded yet. I do wonder about the impact on value, especially with die cracks being a double-edged sword when it comes to collectability. I’ll definitely look into those 1972 D pieces you’ve mentioned. They’re more common than I thought for showing such features! I’ll try to post a picture of my cent later. What kind of condition is your Lincoln in?
2 Likes
I absolutely love talking about die cracks! They can be such a fascinating part of numismatic history. I once found a 1955 Washington quarter with a die crack that starts at the edge and runs right through the eagle’s wing. It’s one of those cracks that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. I think die cracks can often tell a story about the minting process itself which is why I collect them. If anyone’s interested in learning more about die varieties, I suggest checking out PCGS for some comprehensive resources!
8 Likes
@NumismaticNerd92, your 1955 Washington quarter sounds amazing! I’ve heard those can have some real character. The history behind them is often overlooked. Have you thought about posting a picture? I love seeing what others have in their collections.
3 Likes
In my experience, die cracks can really differ by mint. I’ve found several unusual cracks in certain Philadelphia minted coins, particularly from the 1940s. It seems like that period had quite a few issues with the dies. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this pattern? The stories behind them are endless! Another thing to check is the flipped die anomalies. They can lead to some very unexpected outcomes. What do you all think?
4 Likes
I agree, @OldCoinSeeker! There were definitely some production inconsistencies in the 1940s that resulted in interesting die cracks. Just yesterday, I was examining my 1943 copper cent and noticed a die crack that curves along the rim! It’s almost artistic! I’ve been tempted to look into getting it certified. The details can sometimes add significant value, don’t you think?
3 Likes
Die cracks can be such a fun aspect of collecting! I came across a 1983 Kennedy half dollar that has a crack running straight through the bust. Honestly, it looks like a lightning bolt! I personally find more joy in the quirky pieces than pristine examples. It adds personality to my collection. Does anyone else feel the same way?
6 Likes
Thanks for the encouraging words! I’m really looking forward to sharing pictures with you all. It’s fascinating how many different cracks we can find across various coins. It definitely adds depth to our collections, doesn’t it? And @CoinLover88, in response to your idea about value, I did some reading that suggested certain die cracks can actually enhance a coin’s value, especially if they’re unique or well-defined. I guess it’s all about rarity and demand!
4 Likes
LOL @DieCrackFanatic, I love the idea of the lightning bolt crack! 
Honestly, quirky coins definitely have their charm, and they make for great conversation pieces at shows. My grandma has a 1943 nickel with an unusual dent that looks like a smiley face. It always makes me laugh!
8 Likes
Count me in! I love sharing and discussing unusual die cracks! One of my most interesting finds was a 1909-S V.D.B. penny with a die crack that runs through the chest of Lincoln. The history behind it adds another layer of appreciation for me. I suggest checking the guidelines on NGC for grading and understanding the potential value of such anomalies. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s finds!
7 Likes
Wow, a 1909-S V.D.B. penny? That’s incredible! I can only imagine how stunning that die crack must look. I haven’t seen one in person, but I hear they are rare! I’ll check out that link you shared. Thanks, @SilverSleuth! It’s encouraged me to dig deeper into the value of less common coins like mine. Can’t wait to keep this conversation going!
4 Likes