Below is an example of an actual 2005 Speared Bison Nickel to illustrate the difference between a die crack, above, and a die gouge. Link to 2005 Speared Bison
A die crack occurs when the stress on the die begins to cause fractures in the die face, these die cracks are not deep but are the beginning of the end for the die. Die cracks rarely add any extra value to a coin, but can be used as markers for know varieties called PUPs (Pick Up Points). In some cases when two or more coins were found with the very same die crack they have been attributed as a variety.
Die cracks rarely add value and are usually more of a die stage and state, but can be collectible when they’re larger, numerous and connect the rim to rim, referred to as a CUD.
At ebay, coins with die cracks can sell for a dollar up to a few dollars each depending on how large and which coin type and denomination the coin is. One will also find many coins with nicknames like “cracked skull” and many misidentified coins when searching online. A few sellers mistake delamination, linear plating blisters and scratches for die cracks.
Peace Dollar Die Crack – Polish Lines
“Cracked Skull”
