Hi guys,
Just wanted to show a recent addition to my collection of an AGMuK variant that I had been missing. Its a nice 1.2.1, small font AGMuK with thick crimps to the backplate. This one apparently had some trouble with the obverse diestrike and its my opinion after studying it for a bit that it must be due to a dirty die (best seen on the central motif closeup). I am quite sure that these AGMuK clasps were die struck and so there is no way that air bubbles would have gotten trapped like this causing these small depressions. I also don't think it is zinkpest on a refinished clasp, but would love to hear some opinions and thoughts on what else could have created these depressions. The finish is not like any other AGMuK clasp I have, it is very light colored, almost like a pastel green/grey color rather than bronze. Despite this, I don't think it is refinished as the color on the reverse is typical of 1.2 CCCs and may just be that the obverse has faded due to storage conditions or enviornment. In addition, I can see clearly defined lines of finish inside the backplate crimps, which is a classic sign of the original finish (not refinished).
The dimensions are perfectly inline with the others I have on file and the strike is quite distinct, with the exception of the slight cratering on the obverse. I once discussed this feature with Frank a few years ago and he mentioned that he had seen some GABs exhibiting similar features and I believe he concluded that a dirty die was the culprit.
Thanks guys.
Tom
Just wanted to show a recent addition to my collection of an AGMuK variant that I had been missing. Its a nice 1.2.1, small font AGMuK with thick crimps to the backplate. This one apparently had some trouble with the obverse diestrike and its my opinion after studying it for a bit that it must be due to a dirty die (best seen on the central motif closeup). I am quite sure that these AGMuK clasps were die struck and so there is no way that air bubbles would have gotten trapped like this causing these small depressions. I also don't think it is zinkpest on a refinished clasp, but would love to hear some opinions and thoughts on what else could have created these depressions. The finish is not like any other AGMuK clasp I have, it is very light colored, almost like a pastel green/grey color rather than bronze. Despite this, I don't think it is refinished as the color on the reverse is typical of 1.2 CCCs and may just be that the obverse has faded due to storage conditions or enviornment. In addition, I can see clearly defined lines of finish inside the backplate crimps, which is a classic sign of the original finish (not refinished).
The dimensions are perfectly inline with the others I have on file and the strike is quite distinct, with the exception of the slight cratering on the obverse. I once discussed this feature with Frank a few years ago and he mentioned that he had seen some GABs exhibiting similar features and I believe he concluded that a dirty die was the culprit.
Thanks guys.
Tom
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