Die life...

[thecentcollector]

I'm trying to determine an algorithm for possibly determining the rarity scale and population based on real facts, rather than theories.

First question is: What's the average number of strikes a die *pair* can sustain in its lifetime? This is only in reference to 1990-Current.

Secondly, What are the conditions of die wear/abuse everyone checks for when determining between early, mid, or late die states?

Thanks in advance everyone.

EDIT:

This is in reference to my recent 1995 DDR discovery (using it as a guinea pig for this "experiment"). It seems to be MDS, but also has the huge die crack from the upper left cornice, which would lead me to believe that this die didn't last much longer after my coin was struck. Theoretically (and this isn't always the case) the press operators would have noticed this upon routine maintenance, removed, and replaced the working die. Correct?

[RWBILLER]

Hi
I don't know the answer exactly. But I did see it published some where. Do a little work on google. Lange may had a book that talked about that for Lincoln cents. I always thought it was around 750,000 strikes total and veds was 1-20000, not sure of the rest.
Interesting question?
Roger

[1sgret]

That's a good ball park figure to go with.

I would pose the question to Bob P. and he would be able to give you a pretty close answer. The figures may have changed for the New Schuler Presses (1996 and above), not positive on this. Also he can explain how to differentiate on the Stages.

[cents1st]

Easy answer: contact the Mint and ask to see the die register. It is public information, not a secret, not classified information. You will receive exact numbers. Every time a die is removed, inspected, & changed it is recorded.

[Roller]

Yes but how is the die pair identified (distinguished from other die pairs in the same year), if at all, by the Mint?

[lara4228]

Why not ask the mint? They would know wouldn't they?

[mustbebob]

The simple way to ascertain die state is die flow lines. These little lines start appearing as the die continually strikes coins, and gets progressively stronger over time. Soon after, die deterioration begins weakening the sharp edges of the devices, and they tend to get mushy in appearance.
One other think to keep in mind is that mid die state encompasses a greater number than Early or Late die states as it covers the entire period between early and late die state.