Can one of you error geniuses tell me what could have caused this copper looking stripe across the obverse? It does seem to be part of the coin, but I have never seen this on a proof. I have seen similar streaking on early two cent proofs.
It's not polished, it was just hard for me to image the "copper stripe" without such bright lighting. It's actually quite nice, wish it had a better cameo though.
My initial thought is that it is just the way it is toning, as mentioned in this thread. It could be from some substance that touched the coin there, or how it has been stored over the years. Could even be the planchet. I believe the striping you have seen on the cents, is what is known as a woody. That is exclusive to copper though. Someone else can probably give more information, or correct me. Nice coin. here is a link to the woody thread: http://www.cointalk.com/t65353/
The name "woody" is exclusive to copper coins but the phenomenon is not and is frequently seen on copper nickel alloy coins, especially V nickels and buffalos. The improper alloy mix and differential toning is almost certainly what is going on here.
When I first saw this thread yesterday, that was my first throught - improper alloy mixing. However, I do not know enough about the v-nickels to speak up. I'm glad someone else thinks the same thing.
Thanks guys, I was thinking it was some sort of flaw in the blank to begin with, but I knew someone here would have some knowledge to share. I've been collecting forever and never heard of those coppers being described as woodies. Learn something new every day. WHO DAT!!! Sorry, just had to say it after the NFL sent the Grim Reaper after my Saints.
