Not error

I have to ask about this, because I've done a search, and someone else has found one and told it was gold plated or something. But just looking at it before I put it away, and this 1979 P SBA has a large scratch and it doesn't appear to be plating. Also, there's no wearing off of the plating. Just don't understand, so someone please explain it to me. Just so i know for future reference.

 

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The scratch, or gouge could have been on the coin, before it was gold plated.
The scratch is damage, and the gold plating is also damage. (As it ruins the natural surface of the original coin after the minting process.)
Just my opinion.

 

Thank you.

 

I have a gold plated South Dakota quarter that I found at a Coin Star.
This is "damage" also, although I understand it can be sold for 50-75 cents.
I kept it cause it is just so cool looking. It looks better in hand also.

 

That is cool looking! I'll keep this SBA, just on it being my first "odd" SBA.

 

Leah, I have a 1979-D with nearly identical toning. It doesn't have that strong golden color that you might see on a plated coin. It looks like natural toning to me. I'd hold on to it if I were you.

Chris

 

The outer layer on silver looking clad coins are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
I didn't know they could tone gold. A photo would be exciting to see.

 

Thank you Chris! I will hold on to it! Although, as you know, it will drive me crazy until I know exactly what is up with it. Sure doesn't appear to be plating to me....and you have one too?? There is a thread on here where another guy found one, but I didn't pay much attention to it, once I saw that everyone was telling him it was plated...

 

I also have to ask Chris: What is toning?

 

Wait! I'll look it up!

 

I doubt that this coin would have toned so evenly a golden color.
But anything is possible I guess.
Some people like toning, because it can produce pretty colors.
But it's really just tarnish, and the metal is fatigued and degrading IMO.

 

Toning is a coloration that can attach to the surface of coins from extended contact with any number of things such as albums that have sulfur content, canvas bags, Kraft envelopes, coin wrappers, etc.

While @Michael K is correct when he says that toning is nothing more than tarnish, I have to disagree with him that it is caused by metal fatigue. Also, I've seen many modern coins that have toned a solid color, and I'm inclined to think that it may be due to an improper rinse of the planchets before striking. Does anyone remember the introduction of the Sac dollar in 2000?

Yes, there are collectors who will pay many, many multiples of the graded value for nicely toned specimens. Does anyone remember the Sunnywood Collection of Morgan dollars?

Chris

 

Thank you. I'll keep that in mind

 

What about the introduction of the 2000 Sacagawea, and the Sunnywood collection?? You have my attention...

 

The first specimens of the Sac business strikes had a problem with turning color from the (intended) golden hue to a miserable brownish-green. It was determined that the Mint used an improper rinse for the planchets that caused this.

Unfortunately, I don't have any images of the Sunnywood Collection of Morgan Dollars, but I did have the opportunity to view this collection of beautiful toners when PCGS had it on display at the 2008 (?) FUN Show. The collection was estimated to be valued in the 7-figure range.

Chris

 

Awesome! Yes, I've been reading a little on it. It appears the 2000 sacagawea had quite a few problems....do you know anything about 2001 D? I came across one of these that the color seems a little off on, and a Rutherford B Taylor presidential dollar....I couldn't find any information at all about the off color of that one..
Here are a normal Pierce, the Hayse, and the Sac.

 

You know, as always, I'm curious about everything. Been that way my whole life.

 

I saw that in 2000 they did an improper rinse on the Sac that caused discoloration. Hmmm the mint declined to comment on it it says.

 

If I recall, the Mint eventually admitted that they began experimenting with different rinses to solve the problem. They finally succeeded.

Chris

 

Hi, Leah! I just wanted to give you an update. I dug out my 1979-D SBA with the golden toning, and I examined it carefully. I noted that the edge is clearly copper/nickel like it is supposed to be. Therefore, it could not have been dipped like some of the other members believe. Otherwise, the edge would be gold-toned, too. Have you checked the edge of your 1979-P SBA to see if it is copper/nickel?

Chris