VLDS example ??? of this nice 57-D 2-O-II+V w/ 1mm-005

[coppersleuth]

Can you weigh in on whether you agree with me that this is an example of a VLDS (very late die state)?

A neat example of this WDDO-2 with the D/D (or as listed above in the subject box). I looked at the Coppercoins LDS example, and I base my premise on the substantial growth of the die cracks on the top of the head. Notice in the LDS example the crack is fairly limited. On my coin (third pic) you will see how expanded the crack has become, now almost a completely connected semi-circle. The horizontal straight portion of the die crack has now become more pronounced, almost "ledge" like.

Couple that with a comparitively muted image of the second D (south) and the lack of identical tell-tale LDS polishing lines by UNUM on reverse (more heavily polished, it appears, than the LDS state), and it all seems to add up.

Your thoughts? - Thanks

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1055/570119262_67ab941840.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/570119268_4661cf56a2.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/570119270_53d94e1f0f.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/570119276_a8632a15bf.jpg

[Bob P]

Based on what you have observed and said, I think that is a logical assumption. Who knows how long they allowed this die to strike coins before it broke all together. I am somewhat surprised at how strong the separation lines still are on LIBERTY though. Normally, I would have expected them to start getting a mushier appearance, but it normally starts more toward the rim, then to the center of the coin.

[coppercoins]

A couple of points of clarification, if I may...

1. VLDS (very late die state) is a signal of age of a die, not just an addition of markers. The coin imaged is not VLDS, it does not have the loss of detail associated with this rather mutilated die state. We here at coppercoins.com have taken to listing die varieties in three general categories to save time and space, and have associated those categories with the general idea that we would include something close to each of the three basic die states listed - EDS, MDS, and LDS.

Just because your coin appears to have more flow lines than the one listed, it doesn't necessarily make your coin the 'next' category of die state. LDS dies can take on many markers before achieving the age of being called VLDS. The primary feature to observe in determining the difference is that in LDS there will be a loss of design detail, but the outermost areas of the design will still have some outline, as will the rest of the design. VLDS coins have complete loss of detail, especially in the outer area of the design, from excessive die flow.

2. The lines you are observing on the reverse that you are calling "polish lines" are very likely die flow lines. If they are parallel and point generally outward from the center of the design, this is what they are. Flow lines grow and become deeper with die state, polish lines are completely different. They tend to actually wear away with die age.

Your coin is an LDS example of 1957D-1DO-002, 1957D-1MM-005, and your photographs are excellent!