Not really a collector, so... I was at work and opened up a roll of pennies. Immediately I noticed something as a little off as when I do, I usually take out any foreign coins (mostly Canadian, sometimes other places). But this was a dime, completely copper-colored. 1985-D. Out of novelty, I swapped for it and took it home for closer inspection, after my one manager passed up the opportunity. Diameter: same as a dime. Thickness: Same as a penny. Now, I've been looking around, I haven't been able to get any information. Apparently there is "no way" for a dime to be struck on a penny planchet. But looking at this, there is no way this was just plated with copper either, and it does actually weight slightly less than a standard dime. (I don't have a scale, but I was able to balance weigh it vs another dime.) My question is: how could this happen? And, if this is real, how much would it be worth? By the way, I have plenty of other coins I'd like you guys to look at. Pics to follow, best I could get, will try to get better ones. (High-res links) http://i.imgur.com/2x7Qk.jpg http://i.imgur.com/T297d.jpg http://i.imgur.com/kQstH.jpg
It looks like PMD to me. Maybe some type of environmental damage. If you think you really have something there, just send it off to be graded. good luck :thumb:
Right. I understand it's definitely not in the best condition, and that's what makes me sure it's not plating - because of the minor pitting. Believe me, if it were nice and shiny, I'd just take a guess someone electroplated it for the fun of it. I do have a few more, like I said. This forum seems pretty active. Maybe I should post them all in one other topic.
From your 3rd photo, I assume that you have it between a cent and a normal dime for comparison. If that is correct, it doesn't appear to have any reeding. Since you said that it seems to weigh a little less than a normal dime, it's possible that someone "spooned" the edge to flatten the reeding. It could be that it was missing the clad layer when it came from the Mint, but with the possibility that it was spooned (PMD) and what appears to be environmental damage. about the only thing it is good for is a conversation piece with no real value over the face amount except to a bidiot. Chris
The reeding is there, Chris. I just had a hard time getting focus. The reeding is actually pretty rough to the touch compared to a dime. f I can manage to get a better shot of the reeding, I'll post it.
Got a 3-point lighting setup and messed with my camera settings a little. Not the best shot, but you can see the reeding.
AceMcCrank - You could get a thousand different answers from a thousand different people and not know anymore about this coin then when you started. Take this coin to an expert. Take it to your local coin shop and have then look at it, even if they say it's nothing special you should still have it sent off to a coin grading service, you could have just a damaged coin or you could have a great find . The experts at a high end reputable coin grading service are the only people who will REALLY know what this coin is. Also, they're the only people who's opinions matter.
I myself just came across a 1985 -D copper dime I'm sure it's not environmental damage but it is copper with smooth edge
Welcome to Cointalk It would probably be a good ideal to create your own thread and post pic of both sides this thread is old. JMO Dave
