Exactly ten years ago SEGS Grading Service was contacted by David Hendrickson of Silvertowne concerning a batch of heavily toned “Sacagawea” Dollars. He asked me to conduct any experiment warranted on the coins stating that conventional dipping or rinsing did not seem to change the dark coins in any fashion to Brilliant/White. He also provided the following statement: “Apparently some workers for the Federal Reserve noticed a small quantity of dark/discolored 2000 Sacagawea Dollars mixed among the regular shipment of “normal” Dollars. Initially thru second parties, the coins were purchased on three occasions and in fact all were eventually purchased by Silvertowne. When the coins were all finally tallied the total was approximately 2,000 pieces. At that time PCGS, NGC, ICG, and ANACS all refused to encapsulate these coins as any type of mint error. SEGS, through very extensive research concluded these pieces to be treated with an experimental rinse by the U.S. Mint in an attempt to “preserve” the quickly vanishing brilliance on the new gold dollars. The theories by several specialists still differ today and when broached by “experts” are called “Sintered” or “Improper Alloy Mix”, or other various labels. True facts known, these surfaces/planchets are a combination of heat/chemicals and planchet. All told the finish of the true error planchet toned coins is quickly ascertainable by a “Q-Tip” and a quick touch to the edge or surface. If it brightens it is just an oxidized coin, if it does not change color to brightness then it is one of the error planchet rinse coins. All grading services (ten years after the fact) now recognize these errors although when first discovered only SEGS (through Larry Briggs) and BP Chemical Laboratories analysis would do so. As an “Old-Timer” I would like to point out that the term “Burnished” of today is entirely different than years ago. Today, this term implies “Brilliant” while decades ago when applied focused mainly on corroded copper coins being smoothed to enhance their appearance.
I remember those experimental rinse sackies. The mint initially denied having done anything and finally ponied up the truth after the evidence was out as I recall.
Thank you for posting this, Larry. I checked the NGC Census, but it don't segregate this group from the rest of the MS coins. Can you tell me approximately how many have been attributed? Chris
Think about the "burnished" Unc silver eagles the mint sells. (not the bullion pieces) That bright white frosty appearance does not come from polishing.
