hi i have 2 large cents 1848 and 1850 the metal appears different on the 1850 as the 1848 is definitely copper the 1850 has a silver blue type collour to it, were there any fakes produced in different metals?
sorry no can do, but the 1850 reminds me of a zinc coin in colouration, they are both about the same weight though.
I've seen a few with a blueish tone before. It's usually because it was cleaned and polished many years ago and then toned. They sort of turn a gunmetal color. Guy
it is exactly as you say coleguy, well it will have to go as i do not collect cleaned coins. thanks very much everyone for your help.
Well, a lot of, if not most coins you see today that are of that age have been cleaned at one time. The odds of finding one that hasn't are really against you.
i have many english and european coins from that time which haven't been cleaned, but i appreciate what you are saying, maybe i am being a bit picky and hasty as the coin itself is in lovely condition with good relief and fields. but to know now that it is cleaned and not a forgery is a bonus.
Blue on copper is a typical result of the application of a soap or detergent to the surfaces in an attempt to clean the coin. Copper comes in all sorts of conditions, particularly early copper, and as a result normal coins can appear quite different. I doubt what you have is a fake coin.
As others have said, most US coins before 1850 or so have been cleaned. Its very difficult to find them that have not. The real question to ask yourself is it pleasing to you, does it have as much luster left as you would like? Cleaning covers a huge area from a nice light clean that actually improves it to harsh overcleaning that just about ruins a coin, and everything in between.
