Hello to all! My question is not "What's it worth?" - as I'm certain it's worth ten cents. I presume and lean heavily towards post-mint damage. What I really want to know is what happened to this Roosevelt 2003D dime? The obverse and reverse are in reasonably good condition but the metal just looks off, as if it were aluminum exposed to the environment for rather a very long time. Then the edge; it's as if the copper shrunk or the NiCu outside expanded. I first thought someone was having fun with tools and did something to wear down the inner copper; however, the copper is reeded (i.e., not smooth). I hope y'all can see that on one of the wretched photos. Has anyone seen something like this before? Anyone have a clue how (and why) this is done?
Yes, I was just going to say acid. I've seen this with quarters but this is my first time seeing it on a dime wherein the copper edge has lost its outer layering. Clad coins darken up a lot when when they're in soil.
Thanks to all for taking the time to explain it to me. I, unlike NOS, have never seen anything like it. Especially the still reeded, recessed copper. Without any real experience with acid and its effects, 'acid' came to mind but the condition is still rather decent. I would have thought acid would have did a real number on (as in obliterate) Roosevelt's hair and the torch. In any case, thanks loads! Have a great week. David
The copper dissolves at an equal rate across the exposed surface, so the reeds will remain until it's all gone. Nickel erodes also, but not as fast as the copper, and in the same way.