I have noticed a sudden odd discoloration on my newest (2005) Silver Eagle. The sudden nature of it is alarming as I thought I was storing them rather well. It seems a might too early for any major toning to occur. Could this be something foriegn embedded in the coin which is corroding? This is one of only a few coins I received from Littleton in those cellophane holders. I moved it to an Air-tite pretty quickly but it didn't prevent this. I hope the pictures are clear enough to get an idea. It is the brown spot on the rightmost Sun's ray. Anyone else seen anything like this on newer coins?
An educated guess - discoloration as a result of a moisture droplet from a cough, sneeze or just talking.
Yup - that quick. You have to remember - saliva is an acid that breaks down meat and other foods. Just imagine what it can do to a coin.
It seems to be just a bit of tarnish. Who knows, maybe in a few years you might have a very nice toned coin there! Hang on to it...
I wouldn’t blame a person or the family dog just yet. All sorts of contaminants can be on the planchet or struck coin and will only start top do their thing weeks or months later. My guess is that this coin was destined to have that spot from the minute it left the Mint. Best to let nature take it’s course. You could indeed have a nice toned coin in a few years. At least it is not the milky white stuff that just seems to cloud the coin.
