Yeah, yeah, yeah (rolls eyes). I know; I've read how it happened to so many others on this site and I must confess, this past Friday it happened to me....the impulse buy. As some may know, I'm in the process of putting together a low MS grade raw Franklin set. Last Friday I went to the dealer in search to update my Prez Dollar series I collect and found the below Franklin in the discount area. I eyeballed it; gave it a quick look over, and brought it home, certain to put it in the coin portfolio. However, upon closer inspection I started to doubt myself. Then I begin having dirty thoughts like, "Ummm....not too sure it will fit in with the others. Not sure if I like the obverse...he sure does look bald. Is that luster/toning I'm really seeing?? I'm sure I've seen better struck eagles and bell lines..." One bad thought led to another and I'm still not sure whether or not to include. Honestly, probably won't since I'm having so many thoughts about it. I'll include it for now and upgrade it later. Still, I'm curious as to what more seasoned eyes would think of my impulse Frankie. Thanks for all your thoughts and let me know if you need closer up pics and I'll try to provide. The blotchiness you see from D in "God" to the 54 is in most of the field of the obverse but isn't really noticable until the given area hits the light just right (in this case the lower part of the coin) Another shot for your viewing pleasure: This shows the extent of the splotchiness really well, and yes, poor Ben doesn't have good hair lines on the top of the scalp; however I find the curls to be well detailed. Not much to say of the obverse. I find the middle of both top and bottom bell lines worn and the left feathers of the eagle, but I really like the truss and the writing on the bell. Judge for yourself. And another: Not sure if the yellow is a form of toning or what?? Thanks for all thoughts and comments.
I would like to know what it is since I have seen quite a few Franklins with this yellow, as well as some 1950's quarters and a few dimes. I never looked into it really, but was curious. In the back of my mind I was just chalking it up to something that happened to 50's coinage, like a changed alloy or something.
I would agree with Chris about the dip residue. As for the yellowing - I have always chalked it up to the storage method that was most commonly used back then - manila coin envelopes. After all, there really wasn't anything else to use.
Chris, thanks for the dip residue hint. I figured it was either that or humidity here in the deep south got in the plastic flip it's been in for who knows how long, settled, and left some nasty spots. Probably the residue though. Even an improperly dipped/cleaned coin needs a home I guess. Doug, thanks for the manilla envelope information. Didn't even cross my mind to think of it. Appreciate the info.
nope,not necessarily. i have seen coins with the same appearances that were cut out from "original mint sets" unless some of you guys think the mint dipped every coin before they package them. i've cut open a few mint sets myself (59-63) and many of the coins show the same type of residue. 1954 mint sets came in cardboard holders so all the coins from original mint sets will be toned.
Rarely, very rarely, do I ever talk in absolutes. I wasn't saying that was the only possible reason. merely that it was the most likely reason because that's how almost all coins were stored by collectors back then. Of course you can find coins with a similar look. There are always other possible ways for a coin to acquire that kind of look. And one of them is from not being dipped properly. That is probably the most common way.
