Hey cointalk, I was looking on Ebay today and I found a very pretty 1893 dollar that has a quite Unique toning. I think the coin was wrapped by a newspaper in its past.Look at her cheek... http://www.ebay.com/itm/1893-1-PCGS...d=100005&prg=1088&rk=4&rkt=4&sd=121085653752&
I really like when this happens. I have seen quite a few, mostly Peace dollars that have ink transfer on them.
I suppose it depends on the paper it's wrapped in. I would suspect modern ink may not even do this. Although I don't know since I havent't touched an actual newspaper in years.
I hate to say that you should look up "iron gall ink" and its corrosive properties, as it has a pH typically between 2-5, Acidic, and so the printing is the same as a spot of corrosion, just in a neat pattern. It does indicate IMO, that you should take care in its future preservation as that area has already shown its propensity to react. I would rinse it in a light solution of sodium bicarbonate, then dist. water, then acetone ( to remove the water), and seal in a nice air resistant holder, but your risk,
This type of effect is also seen on the inexpensive Whitman blue folders where the mintage figures or catalog numbers printed on the end paper get transferred with some regularity to the coins they are opposite.
Wow! That really is unique! I wonder what it would come back graded as. If I had to guess AU details (graffiti). Coolest graffiti I've seen on a coin before though. Just imagine, that newspaper could have been from the late 1800's or early 1900's.
Oops, thanks! I can't believe I missed that and I'm sort of shocked by the grade myself. I figured the graffiti would have details the coin. Not to mention, what looks like wear on Liberty's hair. Seems a bit much but even CAC is vouching for the coin. hmmm...
I should have mentioned that modern black nano-carbon ink or dye inks don't have similar corrosion /toning action.
