I found a nickel, but it doesn't look like an ordinary nickel. It's a 1974 P-Mint, but it has a completely copper look. I think before hand someone tried to scratch at it, and where they scratched it there is a silvery color. When I compare the sounds of it by dropping it, it makes the EXACT same sound as a penny. Any clue as to what I may have found?
Sometimes a copper-nickle coin gets yellow, copper-brown, even red color when exposed to environmental damage such as being buried for a time. This outer layer is may be this. Also possible someone copper plated it. I suspect someone who had it originally, scratched it and when he saw the regular copper-nickel color beneath, they passed it on. The specific gravity of copper, nickel , and copper-nickel metal is so close, it would take chem lab level measuring devices to determine.
I sat this coin aside, thinking it was/is nothing. Came across this thread again, and decided I should at least post some pictures. Here they are: (opinions still greatly welcome)
Well its not a wrong planchet error I can tell you that. I'm in for it just being exposed to something funky giving it that color. I would say it's not a forgery.
I have a couple of what I call black beauties (a 1974 no mint mark, and a 1942 P nickel) and they are kinda copper color, but more black... They each weigh 4.85 grams, but they are in such great condition I dont think they are environmental damaged.... I will post pics if necessary, so any ideas or thoughts about them, I welcome! Thanks!
Pictures are always cool but this thread is over 5 years old. You might want to start your own thread. It will get you more answers. Welcome to CT.