Part IV. Die Errors:

Die Deterioration/Deformation Errors:

Detail-Erasing Die Wear

Definition: A possibly accelerated form of die wear that results in the complete loss of all fine detail and the replacing of the design with an amorphous, smooth-textured image.  This form of die wear is currently known only from a single die that struck the reverse face of a 2016-P Harpers Ferry quarter dollar.  The central design and the legend beneath it are devoid of details.  The amorphous splotch that has replaced the design has a smooth, glossy surface and shows the same (or greater) relief as the normal design.

The existence of only two specimens (both of similar severity) suggests that the deformation developed quickly.  Rapid deterioration is also suggested by the pairing of the reverse die with a perfectly normal obverse die.  Of course, the obverse die could have been switched out, but it makes no sense to leave in place a horribly deformed reverse die.  The peculiar smooth surface texture of the raised design elements is also consistent with an atypical form of die deterioration.

This is one of two known Harpers Ferry quarters with detail-erasing die wear.  The grotesque transformation of the design is readily apparent when compared to a normal specimen (see image below).

The reverse of a normal Harpers Ferry quarter presents a sharp contrast to the deformed reverse.