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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,220 |
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
Got this one -- by mistake -- on ebay for a buck and a half. Thought I was bidding on something else. Anyhow, the planchet is thinner and lighter than a standard cent. Also about a millimeter smaller in diameter. The coin has a grainy appearance and is a mushy strike, both obverse and reverse. Question: Is it just struck on a thin planchet or is it off metal, maybe struck on a planchet intended for a Panamanian or Peruvian coin?   |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
 to CCF. Most likely acid damage. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Agree, looks like acid damage. Can you give us he weight? to the CCF! |
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Valued Member
 United States
129 Posts |
Unfortunately, I don't have a scale that could give an accurate weight on this coin.
Acid damage seems plausible. Oh, well, I'm out a buck and a half.
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
Upon further reflection, I have to express some doubts about the diagnosis of acid treatment. That would not account for the difference in diameter from a standard cent. Additionally, the "etching" seems to be too uniform for acid treatment. I recall from high school chemistry class, lo these many years ago, seeing a demonstration of zinc dumped into hydrochloric acid. The zinc violently bobbed around as it was eaten up. So, I'd expect at least some evidence of pitting, as well as and oxide, or sulfide, or some such coating. I don't know. I freely admit that I'm less knowledgeable that the others on this forum.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I don't want to start you on a life of crime, but you can make these yourself for a lot less money!  Edited by Coinfrog
07/17/2020 08:58 am
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
>> I don't want to start you on a life of crime, but you can make these yourself for a lot less money! <<
At a buck fifty a shot? Nah. I think I'll stick with blackmail and bank robbery.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
Additionally, the "etching" seems to be too uniform for acid treatment. I recall from high school chemistry class, lo these many years ago, seeing a demonstration of zinc dumped into hydrochloric acid. The zinc violently bobbed around as it was eaten up Zinc is much more reactive than copper, and hydrochloric acid is a very strong acid. The less reactive copper in a weaker acid (such as acetic acid) or a a lower concentration of a strong acid, will react slower, take longer, and will have a much finer surface pitting. (and this coin does show the surface pitting.) And since the acid attacks the edge of the coins as well, it does reduce the diameter. |
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
Thank you, Gary. A clear and detailed explanation. It accounts for everything except the increase in diameter -- 1 mm approx. -- of the coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Your first post said it was a mm smaller in diameter.
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
My bad. I checked again, and it is smaller in diameter, and the rim is perfectly smooth. A senior moment, I guess.
Your post does explain everything. Thank you again.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,220 |
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Posted 07/15/2020 2:04 pm
