Anybody have any clue to what is going on with this cent? Looks like something under the zinc coating on the head and lapel... Pic won't enlarge because it was cropped...
Based on the rim and space under Lincoln, it looks like whatever it is was there before the coin was pressed.
Honestly, I think something was under there before it was plated. And I think it is a re-plate due to the fact there is no luster.
You're right, it was cruddy and was soaked in naval jelly to remove the crud and this is what it looked like...
No one else is guessing so I will take a stab. Since they it was corroded, if it was sitting one something that shape, it could have inhibited the corrosion. When you cleared the corrosion, it left that shape behind.
Thats a good thought. The gunk that was on it doesn't seem to have penetrated the surface though, but doesn't mean it didn't. The area in question is raised and the rest of the coin is normal. I've done several hundred of these and this is the only one with these raised areas. Anybody else have a thought?
I just found a wheatie with a raised area. This my example below! Mine is probably more easily explained. Do you have before pictures prior to the cleaning? Trying to learn what to look for Not an expert here. Paul
Is this chemical strong enough to eat through metal? I've never used Naval Jelly. After looking at this coin I will probably avoid using it. By looking at your example it appears that you could see raised areas if it had some. This makes me think that this chemical could be too strong for coins, Newbie here just guessing. Paul
He is just playing. This stuff is way over the top for collector coins. As for eating metal, that depends. Zinc would be yes, copper would not dissolve, but would affect its surfaces.
Thank's for the reply I don't use anything. I have thought about baking soda using tin foil and warm water on dimes and quarters. Works on silver figure it would work on silver coins. Not sure what to use on pennies if anything. Paul
I have no idea how strong it is, I'm just using it as a rust dissolver to see what under the crud. This is the only real oddity that I've found. Some of the steelies turn out really nice but they are altered surfaces. After a couple years they start turning a gold/yellow color. The one on the right is about 2years after it was soaked, big difference. This is the best surface I've come across in doing these, its nice but will probably change.
