EDS vs. LDS

[Guest]

How do you spot the difference? Maybe in the sharpness of the details?

[jcuve]

To a degree yes, many examples of an EDS show sharper details.

But mostly it is the examination of die flow lines in critical areas and how the devices interact with the fields. Flow lines start as little lines going toward the rims, and gradually get deeper, wider and visually appear to swallow up outside devices. It is not an easy deduction.

Critical areas are:
Around the motto
Base of Lincoln's neck
Around central devices
Other indicators such as die deterioration doubling or a heavy line through the motto (plated Lincoln cents)

[thecentcollector]

In most cases, you'd look for heavy die flow lines from the rim to the outer devices. On wheats and such, you'll notice that a lot of the LDS examples will show IGWT literally 'bleeding' into the rim, and a lot of distress and such in and around the neck/date area. All rim-laden lettering will tend to show a mushed out appearance as well. Detail to the bust is also smoothed together, and creates the effect of circulation wear (which it is not).

EDS coins, do not show any of this, unless a weak strike, grease-filled die, or some other anomaly occurs. Otherwise, all lettering and fields will be sharp and crisp, and not show any signs of distress. Elements of the coin (such as the bust) are also very crisp, and show much detail.

[SuddenAdoration]

Coop & Bob talk about Die states and doubling in this thread... http://www.lincolncentresource.net/f...ad.php?t=19937 post # 10 from coop shows amazing photo examples.

The die states denote the condition of a die during it's life. EDS is when the die is fresh. The nicest strikes will happen during it life. Just like us, out best years are usually the first years of our life. MDS is a time comparable to our 20-30's. The die is still nice, but some events have happened that affect the die for some time. Clashes, cracks little die flow present in the fields. Another desirable die state and coins are more desirable than the next step. LDS is like the 40-50's of our lives. The wrinkles and aging is starting to show. Heaver die flow is sstting in. A few die cracks/chips starting to develop. The clashes are showing more die abrasion. The interest is starting to wain in these examples as compared to the other two die states. VLDS is the 60-80's of our life. The coin look pretty haggard compared with the ealier die states. Die flow... what an understatement! Breaks, heavy die flow, and continued die wear makes these coins as undesirable as these years in our lives. The die states refer to the way the coins were made and not the condition of the circulation of coins. You can have all grades of coins in all die states in BU and on down in grading. But a coin is able to be noticed by the dies age in every grade of coin if you know what to look for.

Well one more. The die states can been seen as to wear on the outer devices near the rim. The MDS examples start to show a little roundness next to tim. The LDS examples show more wear in the same areas, but the VLDS examples really show heavy die flow lines from the outer devices to the rim.

[RWBILLER]

Well I'm a VLDS - I'm doomed!
Thanks coop!
Rog

[creme_brule]

Thanks for the help! Just to clairfy, flow lines are the straight lines connecting the outer devices (i.e: motto) with the rim, right? And to make sure I understand this stuff...they get stronger as the die state gets later and later?

[jcuve]

The lines are metal atoms slowly traveling from the pressure of the strike from the middle areas toward the rim. As the die goes through repeated strikes, the lines will often get deeper and the lines more apparent.

[RWBILLER]

Well that is a simple thing to look for.
Thx Jason