No FG and Floating Roof

There are lesser known die varieties out there.  The 1969 D No FG is an example of what I'm talking about.  This refers to the initials of designer of the Memorial Reverse, Frank Gasparro, while he was Assistant Engraver for the US Mint.  Although not an intentional design, this anomaly presented as a result of overpolishing and/or a blockage of grease on the reverse die.

Designer initials in their natural habitat

Denise Catania has sent in photos of 3 dates with No FG: 1969-D, 1971-D, 1972-D.   The 1969-D is the most common date.  I was pleasantly surprised to see her 1972-D example.   All these dates are found on the Cheat Sheet.

There are specimens in which overpolishing has removed the details of the soffit below the roof.  This is called a "Floating Roof".  The creation of these varieties is not by design, nor is it an error.  It is a production anomaly and the level of quality is often subjective and open to debate.  Nonetheless, some of these are recognized minor die varieties.  Fivas and Stanton attribute the 1969-D as FS-901 in The Cherrypicker's Guide and it has been recognized by PCGS, with top grade specimens selling in the hundreds.  I understand that PCGS no longer certifies these coins. 

There are specimens with a floating roof, others with missing designer initials.  While these are nice to keep around and sell for a buck or two, the ideal specimens have a floating roof and NO TRACE of the initials.  Top quality specimens can sell for a handsome premium.

Keep an eye out for them.

1969-D No FG Obverse

1969-D No FG Reverse

1971-D No FG Obverse

1971-D No FG Reverse

1972-D No FG Obverse

1972-D No FG Reverse