What would cause this toning on a nickel.

Not the biggest nickel fan, but a little bit of one. This coin sold for quite a bit due to toning.

 

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That's the woodgrain effect.

 

It looks like tape used to be on the coin to me but i'm sure Lincoln Cents is right. It's probably due to an improper alloy mix.

 

i agree it looks like the wood grain affect found on some wheat cents. but it could be either toning or an improper alloy mix but im willing to bet its toning. anything can cause toning it could have been stored in an envelope or it could have been in a chemically reactive environment.it looks eye appealing though cody

 

I would think that tape would only effect one side of a coin in most cases.

 

Unless it was taped on both sides.

It could be caused by any number of things.

 

Really, what kind of premium did it bring?

 

$10

 

It sold for $10, or the premium was $10?

 

Some kind of oxidation, it appears. It would be more attractive if it covered more of the coin. I have seen that in other coins of that era, so it must be something in the composition of the alloy those years.

 

This is an example of the alloy, copper & nickel that did not mix well and will have the streaking effect....Sometimes it can be very beautiful....

 

Kinda like this....

 

And this....

 

That's similar to a copper "woodie", i.e. improper alloy mix. I'm surprised that it sold for a premium, because this type of toning typically does not carry one in nickel.

 

Paul can answer better, but I see that type of toning not rarely on Jeffs from the 40's and rarely 50's. IDK what caused it.

What does a nice little 40s like this sell for typically nowadays? I am wondering just what "premium" there was for the toning, as the coin is a nice little early Jeff. I don't detest the toning, but don't think its exceptional.

 

It is not the woodgrain effect seen on cents, nor is it tape. It is actually toning. Toning will form patterns like this. It is not uncommon. There are many reasons for it. It could be something in the planchet composition (like morgandude mentioned), or more likely, it is the way it was stored and what was touching the coin. I have many album toned nickels that show this same pattern. I will be posting some today.

Here is an extreme example:

 

The coin looks MS63/64 to me, I don't think $10 is a premium for those grades.

 

It all depends on the buyer, either they gonna like it or they won't. I still own the 1914 Buff I'm showing and it's a horrible image, sorry. But I won't sell it, I like it to much! If I did sell it I would expect a premium as it's a very eye appealing coin. Some folks hate this type of look.....

 

Count me in that group of folks!