1837 LC Electrotype - Coin Community Forum

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,316
OldSkoolMadSkilz Pillar of the Community United States 2077 Posts	Posted 04/13/2013 4:50 pm Bought this 1837 cent because it looked like a scarcer variety. When I got it, I noticed that it was unusually light (7 grams). Seller wasn't a dealer or collector and promptly refunded me. Report this Post to the Staff

jack jeckel Pillar of the Community United States 5205 Posts	Posted 04/13/2013 11:07 pm That one looks pretty thin from the side shots. Report this Post to the Staff
D0ubl3Eagle Pillar of the Community United States 5854 Posts	Posted 04/13/2013 11:58 pm It does look thin. I thought electrotypes were made using genuine coins and the two shells when put together would closely approximate the size, though not necessarily the weight, of the coin. Is there any signs of a seam on edge indicating where the two shells were joined? Report this Post to the Staff
Conder101 Bedrock of the Community United States 17884 Posts	Posted 04/14/2013 04:07 am Electrotypes are made from two shells typically filled with lead. They are normally as thick if not thicker than the original coin and almost without exception noticeably heavier. This coin just looks like it has been soaking in an acidic solution that has dissolved away a significant amount of the coin. Report this Post to the Staff
OldSkoolMadSkilz Pillar of the Community United States 2077 Posts	Posted 04/14/2013 10:01 am The coin is extremely thin. On the reverse, there are parallel horizontal striations that give it almost a machined appearance. The edge has these too. Very slight traces on the front. Lettering is weak except ONE CENT and LIBERTY are very strong. The wreath and bust are also pretty strong. I'm surprised that 30% of the coin could be etched away leaving that much detail. That would explain the striations. They'd be the grain structure of the planchet. Report this Post to the Staff
Conder101 Bedrock of the Community United States 17884 Posts	Posted 04/15/2013 08:39 am The metal is etched away pretty much evenly over the entire surface of the coin so as it gets thinner and thinner the relief and detaals remain in the same proportions. Report this Post to the Staff
OldSkoolMadSkilz Pillar of the Community United States 2077 Posts	Posted 04/15/2013 9:40 pm So this may actually be a real N-17. Report this Post to the Staff
Conder101 Bedrock of the Community United States 17884 Posts	Posted 04/16/2013 4:19 pm Yes, if it matches the diagnostics for N-17. I can't tell from a single image of one side taken at an oblique angle. Edited by Conder101 04/16/2013 4:23 pm Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,316

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Coins

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.28 seconds to rattle this change.