Can anyone tell me if they positively know (reference to source is requested): What is the thickness (and tolerance) of a Nickel Planchet before it is upset? I have checked all of the books in my Library, the Mint's website (and on the phone with their Customer Service), and on-line, but have not come across that info.
It is considered a blank rather than a planchet before it goes through the upsetting mill, so if what you have is a blank, you will have a much harder time proving that it is really a nickel blank. Of course, if you want to take a chance, you could always submit it to one of the grading services for authentication. Chris
Hello Chris, Thanks for your reply. I am familiar with the stages of coin prep. I used the term Planchet because I believe more people are probably familiar with it than the term Blank; and that is why I stated "before it is upset". I'm looking for this info because I have an unusual 1953-P Jefferson Nickel; 3 Planchets are all bonded in a vertical stack, are concentric, and the edges of all 3 are delineated around most of the circumference of the coin. The coin has full details (maybe AU55), very high raised rims, is thicker, heavier, and about the same diameter as a regular Jefferson. I wanted to do some more research on what the normal Planchet thickness should be so that I could determine if it was possible for 3 normal-dimension Planchets that were struck and bonded together to weigh and measure what I am finding with this coin. Depending upon what I find, I may send it to one of the Error Attribution Experts for authentication--and if authenticated--to a TPG for encapsulation.