Is there such a thing as a woodgrain planchet or are the lines a result of the coin being cleaned / wiped? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11950&item=3952905656&rd=1
Can't tell anything about the coin in the link, but "woodgrain" usually refers to a coin with an improper alloy mixture, that results in streaks that are similar to it's namesake.
I agree. I have seen many large cents with this effect. Some are quite attractive. However, I have never seen one that the same effect was on only one side. Usually it's evident on both the obverse and reverse. If someone else has seen this as a one-sided effect, please chime in.
I am attaching the reverse of a 1916-S Lincoln. The other side is a normal chesnut brown. I don't know if this is the "woodgrain" effect though or just weird toning. It actually looks kind of cool to me when the coin is viewed at 1:1.
I think that might be toning. But I am really not sure. Hopefully someone who is more familiar with alloy separations will look at it. The ones with the separation that I have seen, marbling effect has all gone in one direction.
Greyfang, IMO it's toning due to what the coin was placed on. The streaking is usually just a few, straight streaks.
I don't think the large cent has been messed with, I've seen many pieces like hat. One thing I do have to say about the auction thouh. The 1846 N11 is called a "rare die variety". Acually he N11 is a R-1 coin, a VERY COMMON die variety.
