Die Variety. A struck numismatic piece of distinct variety during a particular stage of its life. No two dies are exactly alike. It is of interest to numismatists and collectors to determine as many different dies and die stages as possible; this is accomplished by studying as many specimens possible, noting differences in detail, dates, lettering, figures and ornaments to distinguish each variety. Identifying each such stage and cataloging every known die variety advances numismatic science.

Prior to the mid 19th century all dies were cut by hand – each die was different –

thus the opportunity for varieties was extensive. Die life was shorter than in later times; and since the effort to produce a die was so great, everything was done to prolong its usefulness as much as possible, including overdating, retooling and utilizing dies in early stages of deterioration. An unbroken die that was not overly worn at the end of the year was re-engraved or punched with the following year's date and put back into production. Thus overdates are the most extensive examples of die varieties.

The rise of hubbing in the 19th century reduced the number of die varieties – since uniform working dies could be made from the same master die – but hubbing created some die varieties of its own, notably doubling.

See diagnostic detail, die life, state.

Reference:

NE42 {1982} Doty, p 103-104.

Moisture is the enemy in a die vault, it must be kept dry and moderate temperature. If not rust will occur on the face of a die. The dies are arranged on sturdy shelves. In this die vault the die numbers are painted on the side of the die. Photo: Medallic Art Company.