Thanks. I see some spots of green on the 1864 (no-L). Unfortunately I have my coins at the bank now (as I do most of the time on wife's orders), but when I go to the SDB again will pick up the 64-L for better pictures. If you blow up the picture I posted you can see doubling clearly on the obverse legend. (Never notice that before). But none of the date.
The doubling you speak of is known as Longacre doubling, it is a kin to machine doubling. Now that said there has been doubling that looks very simular, that in fact is doubling as in doubled dies. See my post on 1871 us three cent piece. Looks like Longacre but in fact it is a triple doubled die.
here is a better example of Longacre doubling here's the 3 cent image triple die not Longacre doubling
Look at the 1884 in post #12 enlarge the image and you'll notice the same doubling on America. Almost like a letter under the primary letter.
What causes the spots like on the 86 and is it something to avoid or just discoloration and no big deal aside from potentially eye appeal hits? I have a proof on my watchlist with the exact same type of spots and it's pretty attractive and fairly priced and has sat for months on end. So I just wonder if that's the reason.
Carbon spots....and they may or may not of been present when slabed. I'v have had buffalo nickels bloom as such after grading.
Thanks. Is that something to avoid or if the spots themselves don't bother me then don't worry about it? In other words can it get worse and become a problem coin?
That's a tough call ,no expert....but as for myself if present I would pass...I have around here somewhere a proof Jefferson it was dead center of a roll of proofs no others were effected but the coin in question looked like it had leaches on Tom. I am quessing the cause something do do with the medal mix. IDK.... sad as my buffalo probably wouldn't sell ....I was pretty upset when I pulled it out. The 86 above is a very attractive coin no telling how it has or hasn't progressed. Maybe Larry can post its story.
Spots kill the value on copper. I have had the 86 for about 20 years. I don't think it had the spots when I bought it but it's been too long.