It is fun. That one looks like the cladding might be peeling. If you run a toothpick up to the dividing line, do you feel a layer? Otherwise, I have seen discoloration/toning like this on other quarters.
Yes. I feel a layer. You can also see copper sparkling and see the jagged edges of what chipping looks like. Is it worth anything?
Wow. I had this all figured out until I looked closer. Now, is it something that got added postmint and is now peeling off? There are plenty of potential chemical explanations for the discoloration even on the usual cupronickel cladding, so we're not ready to immediately assume the exposed color is in fact the underlying copper. That said, it sure kinda looks that way.
Sheila, it looks like it is PMD caused by environmental damage. Note how the clad layer forms in splotches. You just don't find the clad layer separating like this. Chris
I'd call this PMD. It looks like a layer of copper was placed over the coin to make it look as though it was never nickel plated but 16 years later, it's peeling off. It could be environmental damage but my first thought was PMD.
While we're on the subject of coins missing the clad layer, do you know how to tell if a coin lost the clad layer before striking or after striking? If not, take a look at the photo below. You can tell that it lost the clad layer before striking because all of the lettering and details are very sharp. Compare this to your photo of the obverse of the quarter. Note how weak the lettering appears. This tells you that the clad layer was present when the quarter was struck. Chris
Funny.. as I was scrolling down this thread I was thinking of your coin Chris! And there it is.. nice
