PART IV. Die Errors:
Die Re-touching:
Re-engraved Designer’s Initials (“AW”) on a 1944-D
Half Dollar
Definition: A crude attempt was made to restore the designer’s initials on a reverse die that was striking 1944-D half dollars. It appears that a very small chisel-like implement was tapped numerous times so as to form an outline of the letters A and W. The original initials – raised on the die face – may have been removed by intentional die abrasion (“die polishing”).
The above images show the designer’s initials AW on a 1944-D Walking Liberty half dollar. The image to the left shows the re-engraved designer’s initials, while the image to the right shows the normal AW.
Images are courtesy of Heritage Auctions.