Was looking through a 2005 mint set. First year of the satin coins. I noticed this on the Reverse of a Philly half dollar. Anyone know what it is? Does not show on the Obverse.
That's the unfortunate part about the Mint cello. It does not offer much protection. From your photos, it looks like the package may have been dropped and the half took a hit. I'm not sure what caused the discoloration. It could have resulted from heat or humidity. Chris
I'm guessing damage direct from the mint in the coining process. Unfortunate this was not caught early on for a return but there are only so many coins inspected per hour at the mint and it would be easy enough for something like this to slip by. I would like to agree with you Chris but the damage is too severe for a simple drop on the floor. (3rd photo)
Looks to me like the damage was while it was still planchet as there is no nickel coating to the copper center.
Well, I didn't say that it was dropped on the floor. It could have hit another coin, or another coin could have been dropped onto it even while still in the Mint cello by someone after it left the Mint. The discoloration in that one spot leads me to think this. Don't forget that 2005 was the first year for the Satin Mint Sets, and they were handled almost as carefully as were proof coins. Chris
Of course I was not insinuating you were saying "dropped on the floor", that was my own statement. You could very well be right.
