Die scratches and Die clash or PMD?

[CharRom]

Hello again. I am wondering if this is die scratches and a Die clash on this coin. I could be wrong but I don't think PMD given the scratches are even in the letters. I did check our the error-ref website and I am still not sure. The dent in the middle would that be a die clash? I also assume the big swirl in the middle of his face is PMD? Sorry still trying to catch on but at least I learned a bit about lighting today and it sure does help! Edit ... Maybe Radial Flow Lines?

[Paul]

Your 3rd image is perfect for showing the die polishing from clashing....

As for the mark on the cheek, that looks like post mint damage to me...JMO

[JTCC]

Looking at the coin, I say the lines are die stress/flow lines.

[Paul]

....... these radial lines are the result from dieface stress/wear

As you learn about coins, you will be able to distinguish the differing "Die States" using several different techniques, this is one of them.

[CharRom]

....... these radial lines are the result from dieface stress/wear

As you learn about coins, you will be able to distinguish the differing "Die States" using several different techniques, this is one of them.

So the lines are radial flow lines and the center is a die clash correct?

[Paul]

Yes

[Daniel]

I agree with Paul on this.

[Earle42]

So the lines are radial flow lines and the center is a die clash correct?

Radial flow lines - yes.

Also, as Paul mentioned, around the head of Kennedy you see a "halo". This is an area the die was polished to remove the evidence of clash marks:

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Following is a picture of what a clash mark can look like on a Kennedy half dollar:

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...and the center is a die clash correct?

The center circular area on your coin is not a die clash. Those circular swirls are not a part of the REV design - which is what a clashed die would show. A clash in the center would be showing details of the shield from the REV and it would be upside down. Study the above graphic to see what a clash in the center of Kennedy's effigy should look like.

Those swirls are just damage to the coin.

Click to enlarge. Save for reference. Feel free to share.

BTW...I have seen a lot of clashed Kennedy halves and have yet to see where the shield shows up on a clashed coin. I suspect the reason is that Kennedy's head is one of the deepest areas of the OBV die. So when the dies hit one another, the shield image form the REV cannot strike deep enough into the OBV die's head area to leave an impression.

[silviosi]

As Early say : "I see many Halves as this one" Him it is correct.

Upon the time of the JFK (1969 and 1974 inclusive) the Mint re-polish many time the Dies. This give to the coin this fancy aspect. The lines come from polishing the dies and the circle around the head from the re-polish die angle. In conclusion all those give you the answer: Old Die before Retire. So you can say I have a coin with stage D not more, not less. It is like us at 60's we are not as 20's. My Lotus 1994 is more valuable historic then the 2022 but never as the 2022.

[Paul]

"So you can say I have a coin with stage D not more, not less."

I Disagree

[silviosi]

Yes Paul, In stage D I include LDS and VLDS and this Hammer which strike this coin was LDS

[Daniel]

There’s very little die polish lines on this coin, what is on this coin the most is radial die deterioration lines. So all of this is caused by die deterioration not polishing of the die.
A die doesn’t require a polishing off of die clash marks to have radial flow lines.

[Paul]

There’s very little die polish lines on this coin, what is on this coin the most is radial die deterioration lines. So all of this is caused by die deterioration not polishing of the die.
A die doesn’t require a polishing off of die clash marks to have radial flow lines.

But, but, but,…