Numismatic Vocabulary and Defintions

By: Ron Gammill

Die States provide valuable insights into a coin’s history and production process. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding die states enhances your
appreciation of numismatics!

Early Die State (EDS):
EDS coins are struck from dies that have seen minimal use and have not been retooled. Look for crisp fields, sharp devices, no noticeable flow lines and no die cracks. These coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their pristine condition and full strikes.

Middle Die State (MDS):
MDS coins fall between EDS and LDS (Late Die State). They show some signs of wear or retooling but are still desirable for collectors. You will see die cracks in their early stages in this state. While often not as valuable as EDS specimens, MDS specimens can be excellent additions to a collection, particularly when specifically investigating die progression and thus die life.

Late Die State (LDS):
LDS coins come from well-used dies that may exhibit signs of deterioration (i.e. die erosion) or retooling. Flow lines, die cracks, flattened devices, and other imperfections become more apparent. Collectors interested in die progression find LDS coins intriguing.

Some specialists even recognize intermediate states, such as Early Middle Die State (EMDS) or Very Late Die State (VLDS) or Terminal Die State (TDS), which fall between the main categories.

We will show examples of a couple of highly prized and collected die state progressions in our next Quarterly Newsletter.