43-S with Gouge/RPM?

[ray_parkhurst]

Additional Information

Date: 1943

Variety: DDO

Mint: San Francisco

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Here's an interesting one. So many 43D and 43S suffer from die polishing damage that looks like phantom doubling, but this coin is EDS, and shows an errant punching or gouging to the south. Hard to tell what caused this. I put it away as a "possible RPM" but after my photo study I think it's just a gouge in an unfortunate place. What do you all think?

[TPring]

I don't know about a gouge but I must say those pics from the side angle are incredible. Thanks.

Kind of like looking at landscape shots of the moon.


Not sure how you did it but, they were visible without even logging in.

[WaterSport]

Sure looks like more than a gouge Ray.

WS

[dinkyblue]

Yes I thought the pictures are very clear and the side shots are great. If you don't mind, what set-up are you using? Thanks......................Dan

[ray_parkhurst]

Sure looks like more than a gouge Ray.

WS

It may be, but the shape does not elicit that "aha, that's an RPM" moment. I'm trying to figure out how the punch would have created it...

Yes I thought the pictures are very clear and the side shots are great. If you don't mind, what set-up are you using? Thanks......................Dan

Thanks Dan! I'm using a self-built system: Canon DSLR; bellows; microscope objective; all mounted on a stand that can do focus stacking.

[VAB2013]

Fantastic 3D Imaging Ray! I wonder if the mint worker barely touched the die in the wrong place, just enough to cause a slight impression with the lower serif punching more than the rest of the punch. Then, realizing it was in the wrong place, moved the punch to the north west where we are seeing the actual mint mark. I'm terrible with directions but I think that is what I am seeing. Of course it will take experts like you guys to figure this one out!

[mustbebob]

I definitely think it is a gouge. Punches would have a smoother surface. This thing looks pretty ragged.

[jfines69]

Ray did you look thru Wexlers??? His RPM-002 http://doubleddie.com/914076.html Looks like the MM is in the same location and the spot off the lower serif looks real similar.. To me I would have thought a gouge also but comparing with Wexlers???

[dinkyblue]

Thank you for the info, your system works very well indeed, I don't think I've seen one better..................Dan

[ray_parkhurst]

Ray did you look thru Wexlers??? His RPM-002 http://doubleddie.com/914076.html Looks like the MM is in the same location and the spot off the lower serif looks real similar.. To me I would have thought a gouge also but comparing with Wexlers???

Hah! Excellent catch Jim! I often forget to check Wexler's site and missed this one. All the obverse markers match, but not the reverse, so could be a different stage before or after with a different reverse die.

PM me your address and I'll send you one as a thank you...Ray