One of my better qualified friends says this is not that rare, but doesn't know the cause. I sure don't.
As a matter of fact, it is EXTREMELY rare. The Mint experimented using this technique for emergency coinage immediately after the end of World War II during the Cold War. Unlike the Jefferson war nickels, these coins were supposed to disappear as soon as they were spent. Chris
I believe it was part of the Philadelphia Experiment. Read more about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment
Actually, since the pic did seem to disappear, the Philadelphia experiment may very well have been involved ? I do believe I saw the pic, but now it's not there !! Let me try to locate and put it here again. There it is !!! For now, anyway. Don't think it's acid dipped because of the sharp edge of the rim ?? gary
What is the white, flaky stuff along the rim? Could it have been plated in something like mercury and then acid used to remove the plating? Chris
I thought it might be detergent like stays on when the coin gets washed with a pair of pants or something. gary
Looks like a 1981 that was struck through something, maybe a workers smock sleeve, or a white mouse?? Jim
Painted? whats on the B, & next to the 1? looks like some sort of coating that is coming off:scratch:
Sorry about the time it took to get back with better pics. Been a bit under the weather. The white does not seem to be residue, but really bright copper that reflected on the scanner. Got a bit on both sides. Here they are. Grease filled dies, maybe ?
