PART IV. Die Errors:
Die Deterioration / Die Deformation:
Die Deterioration:
Orange Peel Texture
Definition: As a die pounds away at thousands of planchets, the surface metal experiences microscopic plastic flow. Over time, the surface becomes rough. Radial flow lines, concentric flow lines, and an “orange peel” texture are names applied to various patterns of roughness.
Shown above is the reverse face of a 1983-P nickel. An orange peel texture has developed along the periphery of the design and also surrounds Monticello. Letters are bloated and many show die deterioration doubling – another symptom of a worn die that has reached the end of its useful life.
Shown above is a 1988-P dime shows both an orange peel texture and radial flow lines on the obverse face.