I'm a bit conflicted about this proof Jefferson nickel. The grade doesn't seem to match the details, especially on the reverse. And, for a proof, I wasnt expecting so much discoloration to the surface - any idea what would cause this?
I would say that it was dipped and not rinsed properly. These coins are 35% silver, 56% copper and 9% manganese. It is a rather unstable alloy. When the coins were first made, they were bright, silvery and attractive. While in circulation, they quickly turned brown. The Proofs have been more carefully stored in most cases, but it doesn’t take much to make them turn. This piece may not have looked like that when NGC graded it.
