Hello. I was just wondering if this is PVC damage on this half. I suspect it is, but wanted to get opinions. Thanks.
I don't know what this stuff is BUT it is present on some Proof coins, I'll look for a 40X micrograph. At high power the things look like a living irregular dendrite with many short "arms/branches." When I see a coin with these again I'm going to count the # of arms to see if all the specks have the same #.
From what I can see the "damage" appears to be just in the fields, not on the devices. That would lead me to think "no" to PVC damage. But I have no background for making such determinations.
It does look that way on the obverse, but the reverse has the "damage" over the devices. But you make a valid point. The photos pretty accurately reflect what it looks like in hand.
The coin can be conserved (properly) and they come out fine. This stuff (?) does not corrode the underlying surface.
I have this same look on this Susan B. I bought it a few years ago because the look was interesting. The spot on the obverse didn't so much bother me. I know I didn't pay over a couple of dollars. Anyways do you think that these coins were doctored? Maybe a mist to help tone the coin? Here is the coin. Ther are a bunch of pastel tones but mainly blue.
