Identifying Whizzed Shield Nickels I thought I would use this coin as a teaching tool for some of those who do not know about whizzing. Whizzing is a method of improving the appearance of a coin using mechanical methods such as a rotary tool and a fine wire brush. This coin was purchased as an un-graded coin with 302 x 302 pixel photos. The photographs below were taken using a 60x and 200x magnification. At first glance this coin appears to have a large amount of luster with fairly clean fields. Very nice eye appeal overall. After the initial glances at the coin I decided to actualy view the coin properly with incandescent lighting and a 5x magnifier. To my surprise the coin showed signs of enhancement through artificial means, or 'Whizzing". Notice the marks just above the star tip. Photo Taken at 60x, Visible with a normal eye loop if you are looking for alterations! ...read the full guide with pics here
That type of coin irritates me no end. I still find it hard to understand why someone would even take the time to do stuff like that. However, possibly a kid just to have fun, but even then you would think the parents would have taught the value of money. I can see making things like a table, necklaces, etc with normal modern coins of little value if a person has nothing to do but with an old rare coin????????
