1951 (I Think) Cent - What Causes This Rippling?

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 905
roostercogburn Valued Member United States 65 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 5:11 pm I think this is a 1951 cent. The obverse has rippling all up and down. The back has a little bit of it but not much. Wondering what causes this? Report this Post to the Staff

coop Bedrock of the Community United States 62064 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 5:15 pm Someone used a torch on it and heated the metal. To tell if it is acid or heat will be the weight? Acid removes the coins surface making it lighter. *Heat just alters the surface and doesn't affect the weight.* Edited by coop 02/05/2021 5:15 pm Report this Post to the Staff
Coinfrog Bedrock of the Community United States 94367 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 5:15 pm Coop beat me by a sec. Edited by Coinfrog 02/05/2021 5:16 pm Report this Post to the Staff
chafemasterj Pillar of the Community United States 6514 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 5:46 pm He beat me by 30 minutes. Check out my counterstamped Lincoln Cent collection: http://goccf.com/t/303507 Report this Post to the Staff
Scuba1 Valued Member United States 356 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 6:32 pm I found a 1960 D Linc awhile back that looks almost identical to your coin's textured finish. I contacted, and supplied pictures to, a well known TPG about the weird finish on both sides of my coin. Their reply was rather unique, one I'd never heard of. The explanation I received was that it was possibly put into an ultrasonic rock cleaning machine and was probably left too long. This made total sense to me how a very high rate of ultrasonic vibration could cause such distortion to a soft material such as copper. The heating comments above are completely valid as well and the first I've heard of this too, great info. I can see how a high level of heat would cause this same issue. Just food for thought. When I get my hands on an ultrasonic rock cleaning machine you better bet I'm going to try it out! Report this Post to the Staff
coop Bedrock of the Community United States 62064 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 6:36 pm The rock machine would just smooth the rocks. Not create damage on them. Report this Post to the Staff
Scuba1 Valued Member United States 356 Posts	Posted 02/05/2021 6:48 pm Hey coop, I totally agree if it was a rock tumbler. A tumbler would definitely make a rock, or anything else inside of the drum, smooth as I have used them before. I was referring to a high powered ultrasonic type of cleaning device where the object in the machine is stationary. I was just relaying some insight and info I received from someone WAY above my knowledge and pay grade......lol. However, you've made me want to go get a torch and do my own experiment...... Edited by Scuba1 02/05/2021 7:03 pm Report this Post to the Staff
coop Bedrock of the Community United States 62064 Posts	Posted 02/06/2021 10:58 am The example I posted was a creation by the photographer. Report this Post to the Staff
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