Hello just curious is this discoloration normal and if so what is it possibly from? Thanks for looking!
I find when I am looking at BU cents there can be a lot of Discolorations on them. Some of those "spots" can be caused by grease or other debris on the dies. A bit of grease or debris on the die will change the texture of the copper surface which can change the way the metal will tone with time. I also suspect that it is possible to have some residual liquid on the planchets after they have been tumbled clean. There is a few different speculations for what is the cause of toning on the surface of metals, and until someone does a intensive microscopic investigation it will remain just speculation. JMO
The Rev seems to be contamination from handling or in pockets. Abe looks like he had a piece of Scotch tape on him.
At some point something came in contact with the surface of this coin. You are seeing the results. I would be more concerned about that red looking, backwards check mark by Lincoln’s nose.
Could it be because bronze is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Maybe this coin got more than its share of the tin and zinc.
Nickel and zinc can react with copper to make a whitish copper ( cupronickel). If done in a melt, it would likely stay in depth. If five cent pieces rub against cents, in pockets, bags, etc., it could occur. Since I retired I do not have access to the necessary equipment to verify. It would be interesting to see a TPG verifying or not. Jim
Thanks everyone for your responses and yes, that red check looking mark is strange also but I think it's PMD. I just haven't seen that silver looking area on any other coins except maybe on one side like and end coin on a roll.
I’ve seen this sort of toning on other later-date BU Wheat cents. I’m not sure what causes it but don’t find it objectionable. In some cases, it can even look nice, when there’s a touch of iridescence to it.
