97-D Strike Thru or Greasy Die?

[coppercoins]

I'll have to start by saying that I don't know much of anything about error coins - a different breed entirely from varieties and die varieties. Anyhow, my opinion is that this is a rather extreme example of grease filled (obstructed) dies. I highly doubt this is a struck through cloth for the same reason you presented - no thread or weave visible.

[Robert]

I'm no error expert either, though I have heard of coins being partially struck as the die pressure is being adjusted. For example, when a coining press is being shut down, I think it continues to strike coins while the pressure/frequency of strikes decreases. Yours might be one of those?

[n1tot]

Robert's right, it's a trial die stike,this is where the the press op. adjust the strike pressure, sometimes it takes a couple of adjustments to get it right.You got one of the early strikes, hang on to that one. Here's one where both dies must have been covered in grease.

[n1tot]

[coppercoins]

That's an example of a coin that was sandwiched between wood or leather and beat with a hammer. Notice that the devices are wider than they should be. A grease filled die will not cause this...the letters will be the normal thickness, just partially missing. Sorry to bear bad news...

[Bob P]

I agree that it may indeed be a trial strike. I had read an article about that some time ago, and have included the link to this persons opinion. I personally agree with his perceptions on this. Here's the link.

http://koinpro.tripod.com/Articles/DieAdjustmentStrikeOrWeakStrikeQ.htm

Bob P