questions on unplated cents, and a 1940 steel wheat cent

Class is in session.

What is the definition of a "respected grading company" and if such stated the magnetic properties of the 1940 cent were not PMD, would you adopt that opinion?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

A specific gravity measurement can give evidence that would have to be considered, as long as it doesn't reach the same content ( i.e. a plating of such weight to equal the same proportion of a composite coin, which would be a thick plating)

This is a relatively inexpensive SG device, especially if you have a digital scale, and not bad if you also need such a scale. T first listing). The second listing is too space using foe me.

http://www.mineralab.com/Specific%20Gravity.htm

 

That sounds like a great way to start.

 

Respected grading companies include PCGS, NGC and ANACS. And I would go along with their opinions about authenticity and post-mint damage.
Lance.

 

I would agree with those three choices and I would agree with their decision on the authenticity of a coin and any PMD, and I would agree with most of their grades and attributions. However, while those at PCGS, NGC, and ANACS are so much more experienced than me, I believe grading and attribution (especially of a yet to be attributed coin) to be more subjective. Therefore, I would not be inclined to agree on these points if I possessed evidence that demonstrated otherwise.

For example, this morning I looked at my own 1941 cent again while placing it in a hard plastic 2X2. My particular cent's obverse is brown copper colored with an approximate 2mm silver colored blotch east of Lincoln's face and the reverse is primarily silver colored. After placing it in the 2X2, I again tested its magnetic properties with a fairly strong magnet. I held the 2X2 firmly, but not tightly. At approximately an inch from the magnet, the 2X2 tore from my fingers and held tightly to the magnet.

There has got to be something more than a post-Mint coating of a magnetic metal or compound (especially since the silver spot on the obverse does not appear to be the first layer).

I really appreciate your input and thoughts on this matter (PMD or otherwise). I suppose, at least to quench my own curiosity, I will submit this coin to PCGS in the near future.

 

Something J. T. Stanton wrote years ago. It helped me understand the topic a bit.
http://www.numismedia.com/101/index5.shtml

 

Consistent Procedure

Very good advice. Thanks.