I'm considering bidding on this coin, but am interested in knowing a little bit more about the weird, almost crystallized damage. Has anybody seen this before on moderns? I'd just like to know if it's a) removable, maybe with an acetone soak or b) some sort of oxidation that could potentially spread to more of the coin's surface.
It looks as though there was once tape or a gummed label in that area. I would start with pure water, and move through alcohol and then acetone myself. None should hurt the coin metal or even the toning ( if natural), but areas under the afflicted could expose different colored metal after it is removed.
My first impression was a sticker mark. Haven't seen that crystallized mark before though. Kinda looks like a heart and veins.
Beautiful coin even with it . But I believe Jim has it covered pretty well . Looks like tape to me too .
It is definitely tape. I have many of these in my collection. XF to Unc coins that have had tape or glue on one side. These coins are from early sovenier coin holders. I have used Glue-Gone and citrus based gum removers in the past. Both work well, but I would test them on your pocket change first to make sure they don't ruin the patina or toning. Desertgem is right. If you removed the old adhesive, you'll have a discolored area.
That's why I'd leave it the way it is , IMO it doesn't hurt the look of the coin at all . The only reason I'd remove it is if it prooved to be damaging to the coin itself which doesn't seem to be the case .
Thanks guys. I wouldn't mind having an untoned area - I think I might prefer that to the current look. I guess it's not a huge deal either way, as I'm not really bidding on this coin for the obverse.
It must have a beautiful reverse then , I just like the coin in general . Though to me it looks like there is some nice patina under where the mark is . Could you show a reverse pick ? Hope you win her .
I completely forgot to bid on it before it ended! Kicking myself right now, though shipping from the UK would have set me back an additional $20.