A Very Odd 1950 Cent!

An interesting idea! If it were in a fire, I would expect a high degree of oxidation due to copper reacting more quickly in the high temps. Also, if the fire were to distort the surface of the coin by melting, I think it would also distort the overall dimensions, which in this case remain fairly true. And with this coin, some "mint luster" remains--well, as much as one could expect on a coin like this! I like the oiled die theory because I can visualize the planchet metal trying to fill the die against an incompressible liquid. But, whatever the cause, it's an interesting coin!

Hmm...I've put plenty of coins under a bunsen in chem class, and I don't think that heat would impress denticles on the edge of the coin. Besides, what is the mechanism whereby the outer surface of the coin would contract (wrinkle) and not distort the overall dimensions? Given bronze's melting point of ~1800 F and its high thermal conductivity, I generally think the whole coin would melt and not just the outer surface. Therefore, it's more likely this is distortion struck into the coin. How's that for an overblown scientific answer?

Numismat, yes I also get the impression of coin metal working against fluid pressure, and a direction of metal flow from left to right on the obverse--I could be wrong of course!