I have a friend that acquired this coin - it is hard copper on the obverse (large) and small amount onf reverse. Could this be a mint error of some kind or an aftermarket addition by someone trying to make it appear to be an error coin. Ive never heard or seen an error like this. Any insight would be much appreciated. http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff82/MCharvet/nick.jpg http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff82/MCharvet/nick1.jpg
Frank, I agree with the post mint damage but what do you may have caused it. I can't figure it out. Lou
yes from the first moment i saw this coin it shouted "aftermarket" but i was hoping to give him some insight as to why It's just look like someone dripped melting copper on top of it (like candle wax) and let it dry. I'd still say its worth 5 cents though
lSM, I suppose someone had some intention for it's use but I know not what! They musy have had a lot of time on their hands because I am pretty sure that Copper has a fairly high melting temperature. The cost of the propane or whatever gas they used to heat the utensil to melt the Copper in alone, must have been much more than any monetary gain that they ever expected to receive! mcharvet, As long is identifiable and still has the denomination on it, it is still worth 5 Cents! Frank
Frank, Hm.. that is true. Should my friend send it in for grading or would you say its 100% not any type of error from the mint. Thanks - he is really excited about it and Id love to give him hope.
I am almost 100% certain that there is no chance that it is a Mint Error and to have it graded would be just blowing $25 tom $30 or more on nonthing! Tell your friend to keep looking as there are many Error coins found in pocket change every day. I just purchased a "Wide AM" Cent (1998-P, 1999-P and 2000-P) set from a friend who pulled all three coins from circulation. Frank
100% not error from the mint. My GUESS would be that someone tried their hand at brazing the coin to something -- likely as jewelry/belt buckle/button/ etc. -- and failed. For the mint to do that would require a hole in the die (to match the raised area on the coin) AND copper to fill that void in the die. 100% post mint damage. No uncertainty. Sorry.
That's some kind of rivet that has been put through the coin.....look at the reverse, you can see the barrel.
It looks like a small bullet penetrated it during a liquid state and quickly cooled and the tip of the bullet didn't fragment..
here's my theory... Since its on both front and back it looks like someone may have drilled a small hole in the nickel, and attempted to fill it with copper (has a melting temp of 2000ºF (nickel has a melting point of 2600ºF))
We are all assuming that the coin has the right orientation. Is the coin medal or coin oriented? I'd really love to see a pic of the edge.