Has anyone ever heard of or seen small red dots on U.S. proof gold. .999 gold spouse coins to be exact ? Thanks Pepperoni
I have seen red and green spots on new proof buffalo's... I have absolutely no idea what they are... and they will not dip off.
Back in 2006 when the proof buffalos first came out there were many complaints about red "stuff" on the coins. It turned out to be the lubricating oil they use on the planchets to keep them from sticking in the feeding machinery. An acetone rinse should remove it.
I have a First Spouse coin that has a miniscule red mark on the obverse, I just recently noticed it. I have had this coin for about a year now,purchased directly from the Mint and it's never been out of the original plastic case, it's one of the Jefferson Liberty coins. What I find odd is that so far most of these issues have revolved around the 1/2 ounce .9999% pure gold coins. I may contact the mint and see if I can have them audit the supplier of the planchets during this time period. I wouldn't expect this to happen with a virtually pure gold coin.
That would be my first guess to. My second guess would be copper spots (from the alloy/impurities in the gold)...>Mike
It is also possible these are early toning spots that will grow over time. I once purchased a 1995 commemorative gold with very ugly areas that looked to be glue. After acetone didn't remove them I left the coin alone and it slowly improved as toning overtook the entire coin. So what was once an ugly coin turned into a gem. I am not sure that will happen with the spouse spots though, only time will tell. I have also had light toning on a proof buffalo gold one ounce coin so even the purest coin can show toning.
Kinda hard to figure that when the spots are not removed with a coin dip. And oil, regardless of type, would not affect .999 gold. 'Course I can't think of anything else that would either. Enough impurities in .999 gold to cause copper spots ? Somehow I doubt that. I'm still inclined to think it has something to do with the planchet washing process, kind of like the milk spots on the ASE's.
