Today at work I found a silver dime and I think 7 wheat cents. I haven't bought them from my drawer yet because I was late getting out of work and just didn't have time to mess with it. I think of the wheat cents I already have most of them I haven't checked my folder though. ANYWAYS to the point. I think it is on the 36 (this is my first of these though) but it kind of looks like it has a wood grain on it to me. I didn't get to look at it closely and tomorrow I will take a pic and post when I get home (it will be late). I also checked my book and saw that the double die for that year brings a higher premium. I'm sure mine isn't a DD but I have never seen one myself with my own eyes (not sure what I'm looking for) so I may need help from you guys determining this. I know seeing the pics will tell you guys alot more but if it is a "wood grain" what causes this and does it hurt or help the value? Sorry if this is a stupid question.
Well I have heard that it is the mixture, the way the metals are blended before the planchet is made.
Sometimes an anomaly in the alloy mixture in the strip metal will cause this wood grain effect when the coin begins to color. I've seen this myself on a lot of Lincolns from the 30s. Don't think it would have any effect on value... in fact, I think it's kinda cool. Edited to add: Yes, what Victor said!
I thought it was pretty cool too. Like I say though I didn't get to look too closely to it since I was busy so I could be completly wrong about it but just looking at it that is what it looked like to me. Actually it kind of looked fake to me. I can't wait to get a pic of it up tomorrow night.
Yes, it is improper mixing of the alloy. Is is quite common in the early Lincolns, but abated significantly ion the late 20's. however, they have been found in every (at least nearly every) date. To see some more, look here; http://www.cointalk.com/forum/members/rlm-s-cents/albums/10/
Wood grain is cool, in my opinion. As others have stated, it is due to improper mixing in the alloy. I know that for some examples, it will definitely raise the value.
Hey, kd nice finds. As to your question about the double die, here is a link that has some good photo's of what to look for. Good magnification may be needed. http://www.lincolncentresource.com/doubledies/1936doubledies.html
