The first time I saw this, I thought it was just a rim hit. However, the second time I saw it on a different but same type coin, I started to think it was something from the minting process. The rim marks on these two different coins below are on the 1944 Belgian Congo 50 Francs coin. They aren't the same marks but very similar and appear to be at the same angles, as if something got struck through once in a while. Is this just PMD or is it from a damaged die or struck through? Maybe it's just coincidence... though the latter pic seems to be more of a PMD than the former. Thanks in advance!
Do mounted coins exhibit only one rim mark; and if so, not at the 6 or 12 o'clock areas? I'm not experienced with mounted coins, but the first thought for me is that it seems odd that those rim marks are located at random locations. Or the mounts were multi-pronged, though then I would think that there would be multiple rim marks that are evenly spaced out. Otherwise, it must have been mounted in a drastically rotated fashion.
For most coins, the rim is slightly higher than all of the devices on a coin. That is intended to prevent too much wear on the devices as they are played across the counter for payment. It is my guess that your coins simply took random hits on the edge. Chris
I should also add that the last (third) example I showed was graded by NGC as a problem free AU-50. I guess it would be that. Though it's strange that this coin sees similarly angled marks on random rim locations more consistently than some other coins. Maybe it is just coincidence. I'm deciding on whether or not I should submit mine (first image), but that rim mark's source has been confounding me.
If you look at a thousand circulated coins you'll probably see something similar on five hundred of them.
If I submitted this one below, then would it get a Rim Damage Details grade? It looks like a gouge at the rim. That was one of my primary concerns.
I don’t know what the mintage numbers were for those but I’m sure it was high enough that the law of averages probably doesn’t look to bad. I think you would see very similar rim nicks in that particular denomination of circulated coins if you were to look at enough. Looks to me the two coins you posted are after strike damaged by rim nicks. Are those graded what are they graded at? That first ones been around and taken a lot of circulation wear. A VF20 or so? I’m surprised it doesn’t have more rim nicks
My guess (and it's only a guess) is that ding alone wouldn't warrant a details grade, but that's also without seeing the whole coin. It looks small enough, and doesn't cause the round shape to be distorted.
It really sucks when you know you have a great coin and it’s spoiled by one small thing like a rim ding. That’s when you just keep it and enjoy it as it is!
I may get it graded since I may end up upgrading if I ever change my mind. Then, the graded coin will be easier to fund the upgraded coin. But the one sticking point is whether or not it'll get graded in the first place.
I've noticed that NGC has been pretty liberal with this series/type, specifically with the hairlines. The elephant also tends to be a weak strike. I'm hoping for at least in the AU range for my two coins below, as the high points are still there.
I like it's chances more seeing the whole coin. I would think they may just net it a grade but straight grade it.
