His department was straining to produce enough new dies to meet production. In addition, the date and denomination were the points on the coin most subject to wear, and Landis feared the value on the coin would be worn away.
Landis's department was struggling to keep up with the demand for new dies, which were essential for producing coins. The date and denomination of the coins were the most vulnerable parts to wear, leading Landis to worry about their diminishing value.