1955S Lincoln

lucky2 · Veteran Member

How common is it to have a different die pairing on a RPM. In this case Chuck has a 1955 S/S/S listed and it appears that the reverse is different when looking at PUPs. Of course I am also not positive it is the same obverse either but it probably is just a different die stage. Anyway a later stage obverse with an ealier stage Reverse just does not happen. Yes I know Pictures. I have not done that yet.~lucky2

coppercoins · Site Admin

It is somewhat common for dies to be changed one at a time so that die pairings don't match each other throughout their lifetime.

The RPM you have is definitely the same die. No question about it.

Anyway a later stage obverse with an ealier stage Reverse just does not happen.

Absolutely NOT true. Dies are changed when they need to be changed, obverse or reverse - doesn't matter. If while striking coins with an evenly aged MDS pair of dies the reverse breaks, it is changed, and most likely to a new die. The pairing would then be an MDS obverse with an EDS reverse. It is common.

To note, die state and die stage are two completely different things. Die state refers only to the age of the die, as determined by the wear on the details of the die. Die stage is a CONECA borne term that gives note to when markers appeared on a die. A new die crack makes a new stage, regardless of the die state.

A hypothetical example of state and stage and how they intermingle but define separate things:

Stage A - EDS
Stage B - die polishing on obverse, MDS.
Stage C - new die polish marks, MDS.
Stage D - die crack near rim, LMDS.
Stage E - Loger die crack near rim, LDS.
Stage F - CUD near rim, LDS.

Another example...

Stage A - Die polish lines on obverse, EDS.
Stage B - Die polish lines worn, MDS.
Stage C - Clash near throat, LDS.
Stage D - reverse changed, reverse is MDS. Obverse LDS.
Stage E - VLDS.

You'll notice that the stage markers and die state naturally flow from early to late as you go up in stage, but also notice that a "stage D" attribution doesn't automatically mean the coin will be MDS or LDS. The stage is determined strictly on the number of markers and when they form without regard to the die state.