Hi All, I am sorry for the flurry of posts concerning error, possible error coins, experimental planchets, etc., etc. but I am still in the learning process and this is more fun than a six legged dog in a scratching contest! I recently purchased an 1851-O Seated Liberty Quarter which has apparently been cleaned at one time but grades out at a VG+ condition. The color of the coin was what actually got my attention as it has a strong hint of copper to it. Although the Seated Liberty Quarters have a composition of .900 Silver and .100 Copper, this one apparently has a much higher Copper content. I was wondering if anyone has information on any experimental planchets being tried out by the Mints during this time (i.e. using a higher amount of Copper and lower amount of Silver) in an attempt to bring the composition of the coins more in line with their' actual value at the time? Also, were there any Foreign coin planchets used by the U.S. Mints during this period that are Silver and Copper but have a high Copper content than the planchets used for the Seated Liberty Quarters? Any other reason that may cause this, would also be appreciated. I am including pictures of both the Obverse and Reverse but the picture of the Reverse does not show the Copper gleam as well as the picture of the Obverse. I can only attribute this to the lighting as both show a strong hint of Copper in hand! Also, the coin appears to have a much wider rim than a normal and makes me think that the planchet may be a Foreign coin or experimental planchet. Thanks...Frank
The first thing I would suggest is that you weigh and measure the coin. Diameter should not change much, but weight will be less than normal due to wear. But if it's much less, then I would suspect a possible counterfeit, which would help explain the unusual color. Of course the explanation could be something as simple as toning.
GDJMSP, I had the coin weighed today and it weighs 6.4 grams which is well within tolerance considering the wear! I checked the diameter with my Micrometer and it is exactly 24.3 mm as it should be. I have also looked it over well with my 20x to 60x lighted Mini Microscope and can find nothing that would indicate that it is a counterfeit. The details, although well worn, are crisp with sharp edges. The surfaces of the coin are smooth and is not grainy or porous and there is no evidence around the rim and edges that it is was (poured) made from a mold. I believe that it is 100% authentic and without any other information to explain the copper coloring, I am chalking it up to toning and will list it on eBay tonight. If anyone has any information that would indicate that the coin was minted on an experimental planchet or foreign coin planchet, please let me know soon so I can end the auction for the coin on eBay and send it in to a grading company. Thanks...Frank
I have some old L.S.quarters. They were silver colored when I bought them many yrs. ago but are now getting a gold or copper cast to them around the edge. They are in cap. holders and what is causing this I dont know, but I dont mind the change, I think they still look good. Natural toning?
