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It seems if you ask ten people the die chip vs. die gouge question, you will get ten different answers. My understanding of the difference between these two is this: A chip is caused by a small piece of the die that broke away due to normal wear and tear in minting coins. They tend to occur in weak areas of the die, like on the edges of numbers and designs. A gouge, on the other hand, is a defect in the die caused by human intervention, like excessive cleaning, or handling. They are apt to occur anywhere on the coin, like in the field. At least this is how I understand it. Anyone have a better understanding??
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I think you have a pretty good grasp on it...I'll bet opinions vary even among experts though
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I have heard alot of wacky opinions on this, even from experts, such as "A gouge is concave while a chip is convex".....just wanted to make sure I had the right idea....Comment
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In my mind chips are typically irregular where a gouge looks more like something man made. Then of course there are die dents.But you'll find many of the experts will use "dent or gouge" when one is posted...I'm not sure over analyzing is worth the effort. Maybe some of the experts will chime in laterComment
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I have no problem whatsoever with your interpretation Greg, and I have also heard many different answers. However, human intervention is not the only way to get a gouge. There could be other factors such as machine damage.Bob Piazza
Former Lincoln Cent Attributer Coppercoins.comComment
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Ok Bob, you've got me puzzled on that one...a die gouge would leave an incuse anomaly on the coin ?Either way, the gouge would normally leave an incuse anomalyComment
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You are right Roger. That is incorrect. I didn't proof read what I was typing. I have made the correction. Sorry...Ok Bob, you've got me puzzled on that one...a die gouge would leave an incuse anomaly on the coin ?Bob Piazza
Former Lincoln Cent Attributer Coppercoins.comComment
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No need to apologize Bob..just had me puzzled...but it's nice to see experts are human beans too
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I found a die dent today. First one that looked so sharp on the rim.Richard S. Cooper Some have asked about my images I use, and I'm glad to say I've completed a DVD of these. Ask if you are interested. Newer members like these.Comment
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No way to prove it, but that might be the edge of the rim gutter on the opposite die face Coop.
Jason Cuvelier
MadDieClashes.com - ErrorVariety.com
TrailDies.com - Error-ref.com - Port.Cuvelier.org
CONECA
(images © Jason Cuvelier 2008-18)___________________Comment
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Good point Bob. I suppose on some coins the difference between a gouge and a chip may boil down to a matter of opinion. I'm a long time coin collector, but fairly new to the error/variety scence, so I enjoy picking apart all the terms...its a good way to learn.Comment
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Maineman, I see you are in Fayetteville....less than half a day's drive from the Hamburg, NY Gold and Silver Expo this weekend...hint, hint...Comment
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Absolutely Greg. If you are new to this part of the hobby, these terms will be pretty common when dealing with markers and photos helping to identify your varieties. Nothing wrong with picking apart the terms until you feel comfortable with them and everything becomes second nature.Good point Bob. I suppose on some coins the difference between a gouge and a chip may boil down to a matter of opinion. I'm a long time coin collector, but fairly new to the error/variety scence, so I enjoy picking apart all the terms...its a good way to learn.Bob Piazza
Former Lincoln Cent Attributer Coppercoins.comComment
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