This one is tough to picture but here's the story. I recently sold a coin for a whopping $2. Buyer paid with a CU 2003 $2 note in a Christmas card. Here's what the inside of the card looks like. http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x275/clembo1872/scan0010-2.jpg A ligh mirror image of the face of the note. Just thought it was kind of interesting as I would not expect this to happen. Thoughts, opinions, theories?
LOL - That's so funny I cannot even stand it. (The coincidence is all) That being said - I worked literally a stone throw from the Inquirer building (direct line of sight) in Boca when the anthrax thing hit. I passed by the building at lunch wondering why all the FBI cars were parked in the enterence. Talk about scary - at home we threw out more mail unopened that I can even begin to tell you. Even our normal bills were handled cautiously. I think the card is cool but have to wonder a little about the ink on those twos. That is quite a distinct transfer! Isn't there a process that keeps the ink from transferring? I don't think that radiation would break down chemicals used to bond the ink to the cotton fibers but I'm not a chemical engineer so who knows? Sounds like an interesting experiment... :smile
Okay hononai - your post number 657 is also adding to the conspiracy theory - it's all starting to add up - the feds are going to show up tomorrow at my home asking all sorts of questions. If my wife finds out about that proof set buy she might just play along and let me sweat it out . Anyone know a good lawyer? It's a bit of a stretch but after that Steeler loss I need something to laugh about...
I don't think it's an issue of the ink breaking down, rather it's an issue of the ink getting heated up. Think of the ink as a kind of thermoset plastic. Thermoset plastics aren't supposed to melt, but there is a point where they get soft and pliable before they get destroyed. The ink in the notes has similar properties.
Have to wonder a little about the processes the mail goes through if it's really heating the ink to a temperature that would cause it to act differently than it did prior to the process. Like I stated before I like mail to be safe because I have first hand knowledge of expecting the worst.
We don't know for sure what the cause of your card/note is, but during the anthrax scare, certain postal distribution centers were irradiating all mail giving it a slightly burnt characteristic. This process supposedly produced a sterile result, but also destroyed many things like photographs, some computer media, negatives, etc... and left alot of paper crisp or slightly-brown looking. My understanding (and again don't take this as a fact) is that they have learned that they can back off on the intensity and still sterilize the mail. Not all mail receives this treatment, only mail that has been targetted due to a probable cause. I have to wonder if there were any precious banknotes damaged during that scare.
Now you're reading my mind. Makes you think twice about sending that CHCU 75 to 100 year old note through the mail system.
In my opinion non of the machines used at the PO couldn't have caused the over print. If your curious about what type of machines your mail runs thru just google postal automation. Lou
You should look at the possibility of chemical reaction. The Card stock is treated with different coatings and the transfer could be one that is ionic based. I am just guessing here, I have no real proof, however, there is a chance this happened. Interesting to hear what everyone says... RickieB
Actually though about that but will not spend time researching it. Just thought it was odd so I put it up for comment.
Here is a card USS656(Darryl) sent me ..inside is a transfer as well. When I first opened it 2 days ago..no transfer..then wallah!! Transfer...Really makes me think it is chemical! RickieB
That's amazing how much transfered - if left pressed together long enough, the image would be extreamly clear. Best Regards, Darryl
Darryl... Thanks again for the $2 note! It was a beauty! I'll post pics over the holidays.. Regards, RickieB