2 Different Edge Lettering on Hayes and Garfield P Dollars

[Roger]

Has anyone taken note of the different style of edge lettering on both the Hayes and Garfield Philadelphia Dollars?

It seems there are two different styles. One of which I would consider normal with small stars and thin letters. The

other which seems new to me has larger stars and larger letters with the letters being much thicker. My samples

are fully incused showing sharp detail on the star points of both types so I know its not a matter of light vs normal

rolling of the edges. Most notabily is the Mint Mark itself and the star size. They seem equal in number so far

as I go through my rolls. So I would guess that the die strip in the incusers are different and they are running equal

numbers of each at the Philadelphia mint. I use the word "incusers" but I suppose they are called "Milling" machines

in reference to the publication The U.S. Mint and Coinage by Don Taxay.

[Art1.2]

That's interesting for sure. I haven't paid much attention to the lettering/edge detail on the dollars that I've been collecting. When I get my 2012 sets, I'll check it out. Next trip to the bank I'll take a look at my stored sets.

[thedeadpoint]

I haven't seen one of these dollars in years. My first guess was die wear but you say that may not be the case.

[Roger]

<b>Well it's official---At least in my book, Small Date Verses Large Date---NOT.<br>(Read My explanation at the bottom of the page)<p><p>Here are photos of two different 2011 P Hayes Dollars using a calibrated<br>Dino-Lite Digital Microscope. Small date/lettering on the top, Large on the bottom.<p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526941_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526840_o.jpg><p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526905_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526806_o.jpg><p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526978_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526878_o.jpg><p>The large date is taller and thicker in size than the small.<p>The only explanation that I can think of is that the rolling surface of the <br>milling machine is made like a normal steel punch in which the letter or number is tapered. <br> The more you use it and as it wears, the letter would start to get wider and taller.<br>I think that is what happened here.<br> One milling machine with fresh new milling surfaces and one with the milling surfaces almost worn out.<br>So in reality there is no large or small, just new verses old worn out machinery.

[Coincrazed]

Thanks for sharing that with us Roger! That is extremely interesting, especially how you found it out!

[Art1.2]

<b>Well it's official---At least in my book, Small Date Verses Large Date---NOT.<br>(Read My explanation at the bottom of the page)<p><p>Here are photos of two different 2011 P Hayes Dollars using a calibrated<br>Dino-Lite Digital Microscope. Small date/lettering on the top, Large on the bottom.<p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526941_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526840_o.jpg><p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526905_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526806_o.jpg><p><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526978_o.jpg><br><img src=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/2/4/5/7/0/webimg/557526878_o.jpg><p>The large date is taller and thicker in size than the small.<p>The only explanation that I can think of is that the rolling surface of the <br>milling machine is made like a normal steel punch in which the letter or number is tapered. <br> The more you use it and as it wears, the letter would start to get wider and taller.<br>I think that is what happened here.<br> One milling machine with fresh new milling surfaces and one with the milling surfaces almost worn out.<br>So in reality there is no large or small, just new verses old worn out machinery.

 

Good work there Roger. I think your wear analysis is correct. Too bad in a way, as it would be nice to have a "rarity" thing going that would add some interest to the dollars for collectors. Great photos and that microscope has got to be the coin collectors dream tool. WOW!