almost invisible date

[hebronian]

While I have never checked out die varieties, I came across an unusual cent and wondering about it. I have a 2001 or 2000 cent where the date is almost non existent but the rest of the coin would grade at least XF if not AU. Steps are showing on reverse and obverse has full head of hair and facial features. Using just magnifying glass, I see what might be faint buffing in the date area, but not actual scratches. Coin weight is 2.49 grams. just curious if others have come across a coin that almost is missing the full date.

[eagames]

It might be a weak strike or a trial strike or the die was clogged with grease or struck through debris.

[wavysteps2003]

If all the other design elements show, then it is a clogged die (date recess on the die was filled with junk [oil and dirt + other stuff]). If other design elements are missing on the obverse, then it could be struck through a die cap or once again a clogged die. If both obverse and reverse are missing design elements, it then could be a weak strike, trail strike or once again struck through grease and junk. A pictutre of the coin and the affected area would help to determine what it is.

BJ Neff

[coppercoins]

Unfortunately with all the different possibilities it's impossible to tell what it is without a good image.

[Dick]

Chuck, have you seen the "earlycoppercoins.com"? I was not aware of it, and thought it was a fake. It is interesting.
Dick

[Bob P]

Dick,
That is a legitimate site. I have known about that site for years now. I don't know if Chuck knows the individual personally, but they are in the same town.

[Dick]

Bob, I agree, it is legit. I checked it out, and it deals extensively, (almost exclusively) with very early date, ie 17994, or there about, and runs into the early 1800. It seems to be quiote capable in it's coverage. I had never seen the name before, and when it showed on CCF, I got curious, and checked it out.
Dick

[GarryN]

alot of the stuff seems to be relatively reasonable.