Definitive Test For Black Beauty Nickels

These are really cool! I have never had one thought...maybe its time!

SDM, the #2 & #3 '59's may be, the 52D's nope, just standard gray, circulated nickels. Those 59's, have to be gun-metal grayish, consistent, including the rims, with an almost purplish/blue luster when checking the cartwheel effect. Just being dark or black, doesn't certify a BB, nickel and its alloys will blacken with exposure to elements/sun, heat(fire), and some water based products (saline, citrus). The "blue/purple" effect is thought to be cobalt within the stock planchet plates. What we've noticed is that most BB's show up in the 1958 and 1959 years, possibly 1960 but ALL are Philly mint, none have ever been Denver.

Aaaaaannndd I had one but I sold it. Actually a few days before I found this thread. Next time I get one Ill post it here

@gman122

It's really difficult to tell without full coin pics with a normal coin comparison to gauge lighting/white balance of the pic.

Crazy 08 appreciate the feedback the 52 was just for comparison I should of stated that these nickels have not been exposed to the elements here are a few others I believe are but still a toddler in the Coin World

@SDM That last pic with comparison really shows the color difference as well as luster. I think at least those two are winners!

So, I was searching ebay earlier for certified Black Beauties and noticed they are almost exclusively ANACS graded in listed and sold. I found one NGC graded example. I would really like to find a PCGS example to remain consistent. From what I've seen, PCGS calls this a "sintered planchet" which I really don't believe to be the cause but, whatever.

Also, every certified listed/sold were Philly mints.

On another note, I came across some uncertified ones that just don't look right. The seller has sold several and has a couple listed and they all have a yellow tint. I don't believe it's a white balance problem with the pics. It makes me suspicious. The seller is telstarcoin and here is a listing:

222536714352

What do you think?

I think your intuition is correct. I would always be suspicious of one that is not 1958-1959. Other than that, it looks flat with no luster and the color appears to be reddish-brown. There is some silvery color showing through that I think is circulation wear after the environmental damage (ground find?).

Spruett001, looked at that ebay seller you posted....the yellow is incandescent isn't it? The glossiness does look right, I'll try photo shopping rose pix and see if I can "_get the yellow out"...Tide, wasn't it?...tomorrow, old guys bedtime!

SDM, looks like you have a boatload of BB's there!