I just opened another 10 lbs of World Coins and this was in with them, in a 2x2 marked as a "thin planchet lightly struck." I knew that was wrong. My first thought was the edge was ground down, but closer examination didn't validate that. I've seen many "reworked," "magician's,"or "doctored" coins before, but after running through every possible scenario, but I couldn't figure this one out. Larger than a dime, a bit smaller than a regular nickel, with a smooth edge. I can see no marks of grinding or polishing. Not magnetic, and thinner than any coin I know of, and has a complete stamped obverse and reverse of a Jefferson nickel, so what is it? @Fred Weinberg, @JCro57, @paddyman98, others? Normal nickel on left, thin one on right. I just found the answer, so let's see what others think.
@Mountain Man I Received the 2 Cubans Thanks again![/QUOTE] You are welcome. I knew you would appreciate them, and they were in good condition for being that old.
I agree acid. Now, do you @paddyman98 and @Mountain Man know that trafficking of two Cubans, especially human, is against the law? Lesson for today!
Metal forced into the devices is work hardened as it flows. This makes it both physically harder and more resistant to chemical attack. At least, that's the explanation I've received from metallurgists (I'm not one myself). This is also why date restorers work on nickels, and why they don't work on silver and gold coins (silver and gold don't work harden nearly as readily as copper and its alloys).
I'm still hoping for input from @Fred Weinberg and @JCro57 before I reveal, but I will tomorrow, so stay tuned.
Maybe the prior owner was trying to grind it down to dime size for phone booths and vending machines.
Okay, sorry I didn't post it last night, but due to face surgery for skin cancer, my left eye and pain are causing me problems. After I posted the initial post, just before I hit "Post" I noticed the seam on the edge. Two nickels has been ground down, attached together. How? I'm not sure, but very well done. I assume the edge had been worked to try and hide the work.
The mystery solved, then. Good. I can definitely relate to your face surgery skin cancer pain. Eyes get bleary now and then and still get headaches. My procedure was a year ago. Tylenol 650mg. is my buddy. Don't overwork your eyes, cold compresses help.
