i came across this 1961 nickel in OK condition. On the reverse the monticello has a strange spiral pretty much dead center of the coin. Does anyone know what this is or have any ideas.
Not an error. Post Mint Damage. What made it, I couldn't tell you but it didn't come from the mint like that.
I have a 1961 nickle that has a crack in washingtons hair - it does not appear to be damaged anywhere else - how do I find out if it is a mint error or not
You would be better off posting full size photos in a new thread so that others can answer your question. Die cracks are a result of the striking process, some call them errors. None of them though are valuable. Unless they are a die marker for a die variety.
I kind of assumed it was created by turning the knob on a coin operated 'candy' machine. You'll note that this damage appears only on older coins and not more modern coinage (or so it appears).
Indeed. Here’s my thinking on a revived thread: If it’s to answer the original poster, they should probably pass If it’s to expand on information presented or to clarify something, they probably should. If it’s for a like issue, it depends. For unique type items, I generally feel ok about adding to a thread. If it’s a common type item, a new thread seems most appropriate. No hard rules to this, just a feel thing for me. I like it when members use the Search tool before dropping a question. I hate to penalize them for reviving a thread after a fair effort. All good!