Maybe this is not that unusual but I have to say this is the first time ( that I remember ) finding a copper exposed nickel.....Definitely save this guy.
Nickels are not clad, they are a solid alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, so there is no copper to expose. Sorry, but it looks like some residue on the coin (solder, stained adhesive, or who knows). It did not leave the mint like that
Thanks for that info Oldhoopster, I did not know Nickels are not clad....So....Guess I will go pull it out of my coin book and put it back where it belongs...Pocket change
United States 5 cents coins are struck on alloy planchets 75% copper and 25% nickel. -Most of the time the nickel has a silvery appearance as the coin’s color is dominated by the nickel metal even though the nickel is only 25% of the alloy composition. In the presence of a strong oxidizer (acid, base etc) the nickel will take on a copper color. These coppery “nickels” are fairly common. I do not think yours is this, it would be solid copper color, or would be "splotchy" as if something were spilled on it and left there to dry and oxidize on it. -Errors do exist where a cent blank was struck with nickel dies. This error will have part of the outer design missing since the planchet is too small, will be thinner than a standard nickel and will weigh less. These are easy to identify. Five cent coins weigh 5 grams, copper cents (pre 1982) weigh 3.11 grams. I do not think your coin is this, the coin looks "full". but a weight can confirm it if it doesn't feel right as to the weight or appears thin. Also, the coin would be pretty much all copper color. -The coin was struck on a planchet from improperly mixed alloy. It is possible for the copper to come to the surface creating a coppery look to the nickel that eventually tones to a dark brown or black color in the copper areas. in essence, the copper for whatever the reason didn't completely melt and alloy during the alloying process. I think this is the most likely scenario, of the three, but I can't rule out a copper paint or even copper being added to the surface of the coin from these pictures. It would really require careful examination under magnification around the edges of the copper areas. If it is an improper alloy mix though, It does not bring a premium as they are of full weight and of the proper metal composition, just bad mixing of the alloy. Maybe a slight premium to an oddity collector... there can always be post mint damage, someone messing with it along the way until it got to you, but.... the spot under the chin and by the date have me thinking improperly mixed alloy. Paddyman98 or Fred, both of which are into all the error stuff and more versed at it than me, hence experts in my opinion, will come along possibly and give an opinion, but these pictures might be an issue for them also.
