Hi, I just started actually collecting error coins as a casual hobby, but I've actually grabbed them out of change for years when I saw them. I found a nice cud in a bank roll, some nice laminations and some others about 8-9 years ago in bank rolls when I was actually looking for wheats and wartime coinage, when you could still find those in change commonly. Either way, I found this coin before aswell, and it's a bit of a puzzler. I don't really think it's a post-mint alteration or just spilled paint. I looked up some error coin types, and it seems like it could be an improper alloy mix, but I'm far from an expert. That's where you guys come in! Any help as to what this coin is would be greatly appreciated! There's some specks of the strange color on the edge, but none on the back. The first picture is without the flash, the second with the flash, and the third is the picture inverted for better details. My camera is horrible for coin close-ups, so this is the best I can do. Thanks very much for your time, and great website!
Big H: First: welcome. Second: I can't be sure from the pictures, but I don't think that it is an improper alloy mix. Mike will be along soon and he'll tell you.
Well, the color is more like the zinc colored cents that aren't plated, which made me think that it was something different than an alteration. I tried to scrape a small flake off with my finger nail to make sure it wasn't just paint or something, but nothing came off. Also, if it were plated after the mint, wouldn't the other side have some evidence too? I'm really upset that I can't take better pictures.. It would probably be a slam dunk with a nice camera. Thanks anyway for answering my question. Even if it is a forgery, atleast I know that type isn't an error, in case I find another one in the future.
It looks to me like someone coated it with mercury. I know today that is a no-no, but when I was growing up, that was a fun game.
I've heard of kids in the 50's doing that, but did it last as long as 1975? I thought they learned about the danger of mercury back then. Either way, the consensus is that this is not a real mint error. I'll put it in a cardboard 2x2, just in case. :kewl: Thanks for the help everyone! This won't be the first of my newbie error questions!
This is my favorite bank roll error so far, I found it about 8 years ago aswell. It's labeled that way so my uncle's benefit, who knows nothing about errors. The picture is awfully blurry, so I'll try to take a better one some day. What do you guys think of this one? I know that's an error! It's not much, but I like it.
