Here is a 1925 Lincoln cent I came across. I believe that this specimen is an example of wood graining -- although the odd colors could be from cleaning, I suppose. I will let the experts decide. It's sorta hard to tell from the pics, but the grains are aligned in the same direction on both sides.
Nice coin, but my guess is that that coin has not been cleaned. Colors of the woodies can be all over the map. Try this one.
Nice coin, RLM! It makes me want to get mine slabbed... TheBIGH, yes, I agree. I went back to look at my wheaties and I noticed a few more 25's that had wood graining. One had the same orientation as the one I posted, another was more vertical.
I love Woodies. I didn't like them when I was young, but have matured into my current stance. Thanks very much for sharing the picture! That's My Two Cents Art Haule
Just to make sure, that 1925- is not my coin, but one that was posted here some time ago. I wish it were mine. I definitely caught my attention.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Snaz - thanks for the advice. I actually probably won't get it slabbed, since I doubt I will ever sell it. I'm just looking for an excuse to slab my first coin. Also, I've heard this effect referred to as wood grain toning. From what I understand, this effect is caused by the alloy mixture not being mixed correctly, or something like that. That would be different than toning, which is caused by oxidation or exposure to some other environmental agent. Am I getting this right?
Well, sort of. You are correct about both the toning and the alloy mixing. However, the alloy mixing does not show up until the coin begins to oxidize. Thus, it is the different rates of oxidizing that make the graining show up.
Gotcha. I didn't know it didn't show up until after the coin begins to oxidize. It all makes sense now. Thanks!