What happened to this dime?

Discussion in 'What's it Worth' started by DEA, Nov 4, 2018.

  1. DEA

    DEA Well-Known Member

    Hello to all! My question is not "What's it worth?" - as I'm certain it's worth ten cents. I presume and lean heavily towards post-mint damage.

    What I really want to know is what happened to this Roosevelt 2003D dime? The obverse and reverse are in reasonably good condition but the metal just looks off, as if it were aluminum exposed to the environment for rather a very long time.

    Then the edge; it's as if the copper shrunk or the NiCu outside expanded. I first thought someone was having fun with tools and did something to wear down the inner copper; however, the copper is reeded (i.e., not smooth). I hope y'all can see that on one of the wretched photos.

    Has anyone seen something like this before? Anyone have a clue how (and why) this is done?
    IMG_20181104_124941.jpg IMG_20181104_124955.jpg IMG_20181104_125037.jpg PICT0019.JPG PICT0020.JPG PICT0021.JPG PICT0022.JPG PICT0023.JPG reverse_0001.jpg
     
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  3. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    Environmental damage. That thing spent some time in the dirt.
     
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  4. rickmp

    rickmp Frequently flatulent.

    Acidic environment. Copper is softer than nickel, so it erodes faster.
     
  5. Inspector43

    Inspector43 Celebrating 75 Years Active Collecting Supporter

    I've seen a few like that. Just have to spend them.
     
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  6. NOS

    NOS Former Coin Hoarder

    Yes, I was just going to say acid. I've seen this with quarters but this is my first time seeing it on a dime wherein the copper edge has lost its outer layering. Clad coins darken up a lot when when they're in soil.
     
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  7. DEA

    DEA Well-Known Member

    Thanks to all for taking the time to explain it to me. I, unlike NOS, have never seen anything like it. Especially the still reeded, recessed copper. Without any real experience with acid and its effects, 'acid' came to mind but the condition is still rather decent. I would have thought acid would have did a real number on (as in obliterate) Roosevelt's hair and the torch.

    In any case, thanks loads! Have a great week.
    David
     
  8. rickmp

    rickmp Frequently flatulent.

    The copper dissolves at an equal rate across the exposed surface, so the reeds will remain until it's all gone. Nickel erodes also, but not as fast as the copper, and in the same way.
     
  9. paddyman98

    paddyman98 I'm a professional expert in specializing! Supporter

    There is a Error Coins forum here on CoinTalk. Just post your future threads there next time.
     
  10. DEA

    DEA Well-Known Member

    Yeah, I saw that. But this is not an error coin. Is it?
     
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