I purchased this elongated dime recently and was wondering why the obverse has a copper cast to it. 1959 would indicate a silver coin. Did the rolling process discolor it? Maybe it had environmental damage before processing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Not sure why that is but I've seen similar on other rolled coins. I have a few in my own collection. Looking forward to other's comments. Bruce
There are all sorts of things that can turn silver all sorts of colors. But if this seems to happen specifically on silver rolled dimes -- I wonder whether the same roller was used to press both dimes and cents, and perhaps picked up some copper or copper-oxide residue from cents that were previously pressed? I don't think that's as likely as simple environmental issues, but I wonder.
The obverse was toned prior to rolling it. After stretching it out as elongating a coin does, it also stretches the toning. I have a number of coins like this.
Maybe the INA deliberately altered/colored the Obverse side just for the sake of the elongation representing the convention. Just the field and not the upraised rim.
If the silver is exposed to sulfur and chloride compounds , silver can tarnish a gold-brown leading to darker brown and blue violet and eventuallyblack, depending on the concentrations and length of exposure. It isn't an easy job to do without a lot of chemistry, but I have seen a few.
