1891-O VAM-22 - all it's cracked up to be?

[keilg1]

Have two rather ugly 91-Os that I believe are both VAM-22s. I can post other pictures but want to concentrate on the cracking pattern on the reverse.

Question I'm looking help on: When does a crack become a break?

The two coins are different stages, one earlier one later... are both simply cracked?

First and earlier die state coin:

91Ov22 #1 ERI crack.jpg (152.5 KiB) Viewed 161 times

Next, the later state with advanced crack(age):

91Ov22 #2 ERI crack.jpg (122.45 KiB) Viewed 161 times

In addition, the second coin has a nice rim cud along the obverse, not seen on coin #1 and not mentioned on the VAM-22 page; starts at the second left star and ends third right star:

obv rim cud.jpg (85.21 KiB) Viewed 161 times

rim cud right stars.jpg (96.47 KiB) Viewed 161 times

And, yes, a few of the star doublings can be seen but each coin is quite mucky and worn so those aren't easily photographed.

Appreciate your thoughts and comments.

[keilg1]

Meant to ask, too: any of those owners of the six VAM-22s in the SSDC registry, how cracked up are yours?

[lured_in_again]

I'll admit to being the possessor of 3 of the listed 6 example (due to upgrades to my 91 o set) The photo on the VAM page showing the cracks is of my initial XF 45 coin. I would have to get out my other examples (AU 50 and 58) and take a look at the level of cracking. My notes show die cracks on 3/4s of the obverse and 2/3s of the reverse. I also have the rim cuds listed in my notes. I don't remember the cracking becoming what I would consider a break. I believe wear on the coin causes the cracks to have a wider , somewhat break like appearance. Just my 2 cents.....

[keilg1]

Thanks. I hear you about worn coins with cracks looking more advanced. The latter one here shows a lot more than the others - crack in the upper reaches of the M, more across STATES OF and the left wing (not shown but I can provide pictures).

No offense to the darksiders but I think if this were on a Peace dollar it might get listed...

Appreciate your input and glad to hear the coins exist in better grades. Mine are honestly quite ugly.