L space in Liberty

[carlb]

I have acutually two questions. First I just noticed that on some of my 1970 and 71 Lincoln Cents there is a larger than normal space between the L and the rest of Liberty on the obverse. It appears a larger than normal space. My imagination?
Second question is about the posts on the reverse on the Lincoln Building. I saw on another forum about multiple posts. So I began looking at many Lincoln Cents. At the far left post I counted anywhere from 1 to 3 posts. On some at the far right there appears to be from 1 to 3 posts. Anyone know how many post there are supposed to be at each location?

[Bob P]

Carl,
As far as the spacing on your 1970/71 cents, this is pretty typical for the year. It is in the design, and therefore no premiums associated with it. As far as the 'posts' go on the reverse, Do you mean columns? On early die state coins, you may see more fluting lines on each column. In addition, there are parts of the columns that show on the reverse that are actually columns from the rear of the memorial. These are seen in memorial bays 1, 5, 7, and 11. They lose some clarity as the die wears. Please look on the site for doubled die reverses especially from 2003-2006 to see examples of what we call doubled columns or column bars.

[eagames]

The best way to see those normal doubled looking posts on col 1,5,7,11 is on a modern proof cent, they show very well on the proofs.

[carlb]

I tried to add this yesterday but must have done something wrong since it didn't get entered. After I read the answers I ran to a pile of Lincoln Cents that I've accumulated and was waiting for time to check out. So I started looking at those post, columns, that I've never paid attention to before. Several of the same dates have the same or similar results. It may be my eyes but this is what I've found as to ghost like columns behind the normal ones. These are not the flutes or lines on the front columns, but ghost like images behind them. Also, they are on the right of the first 5 and on the left of the rest from left to right.
1970D, 71, 75 ---- Columns 1, 5, 8
1973, 89, 02D ---- Columns 1, 5, 8, 12
1976, 83, 94D ---- Columns 5, 8
1991D ----------- Columns 1, 8, 12
1996D ----------- Columns 1, 4, 5, 8, 12

[eagames]

Carl,

Maybe what you're seeing is the die wear. As the die wears the sharp edge of the columns wear and rounds off. You might see a sort of a ghost image looking straight on it along the normal column which is the worn edge of the colmn (the ramp left behind from where the die wore away).

You see it on the right of the first 5 and on the left of the rest from left to right because at the coins center the metal flow causing die wear reverses, From the center the metal moves away, so on the right it's moving to the right rim but on the left it's going to the left rim.

It shows differently on coins because of different die states.

Sound like what you see? Try looking at a slight angle and the look may change or the ghosts may vanish.

[carlb]

No nothing to do with an angle of vision. I tried straight on, from the left, right, top, bottom and still the same results. I've got 10 sets of Lincoln Cents, hundreds of duplicates in 2x2's, about 50 rolls of others and I don't plan on starting going through them all for strange ghostly columns. I'll just stay happy with your answer of worn dies. Now if they start to move around, time to stop those martinis.
Thanks for the information.

[coop]

Could be left over Die clash lines? Each die clash leaves are mark from the reverse onto the obverse and the cleaning takes the stronger marks off. After several die clashes/removal, they leave a ghost image on the reverse and obverse that usually marks in certain areas.

[eagames]

Carl,

Are these the ones you see?
They're part of the normal design but only show on some coins.


Added... I numbered the bays in the photo. (not columns)

[wavysteps2003]

The seemingly extra columns to the right of column # 1 and the left of column # 12 are the corners of the building. This is supposed to give a sense of depth to the reverse????? The extra column to the right of column # 5 and to the left of column # 8 are the back columns that are adjacent to Lincoln's statue. I am not to sure what you are seeing on column # 4, however, it may have been die deterioration doubling, but that is just a guess.

Hope this helps.

BJ Neff

PS - Ed, you mis-counted the columns. Your column # 7 is 8 and your 11 is 12.

[Bob P]

Ed is right BJ. He numbered the Bays...not the columns. Hope these fine folks have helped you Carl. If not...we will try harder. Are you capable of posting pics that show what you are referring to??

[wavysteps2003]

Now I know that I need glasses, LOL. Sorry about that Ed.

PS - congrats on your 1000 post also. You expert you!!!!!!

BJ

[carlb]

[Bob P]

There's nothing wrong with drinking beer in your neighbors garage Carl. However, make sure you check the coins before you go next door. Otherwise, you may be seeing more 'ghost' columns that you need to see.
I am glad you are getting good use from the books. That being said, we are always willing to help here on the forum.