2013 Lincoln Cent With. Unknown Marks. Help Identifying?

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Author	Replies: 14 / Views: 2,328
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 9:28 pm Im in the beginning stages of coin collecting and searching my loose change around home. In photographing my finds I came across a 2013 Lincoln Cent. It's in great condition minus a small carbon spot. And these strange swirls that arent visible with naked eye. I thought maybe they are from the rubber tips in coin counting machines but they don't follow the examples I've seen. Any thoughts? Report this Post to the Staff

merclover Bedrock of the Community United States 10635 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 9:35 pm What's the reverse look like? Photos where we have to stand on our head to view don't help us. Looks like acid bath damage. Regardless how made, it's post mint damage. It didn't leave the mint looking like this. to the CCF! Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 97511 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 9:42 pm The marks are fingerprint marks that have been etched into the coin surface. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Edited by Dearborn 12/28/2021 9:44 pm Report this Post to the Staff
merclover Bedrock of the Community United States 10635 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 9:52 pm I agree these are finger print marks. There are acids from our skin that have etched into the coin's surface. I just wonder if there is also some other mild acid at work as well, such as soda or somesuch? Report this Post to the Staff
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 9:55 pm Not sure about other acids or chemicals, I've been handing them with gloves as much as possible, especially the clearer nicer ones. I'll upload pics of the back in a min. Report this Post to the Staff
merclover Bedrock of the Community United States 10635 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:03 pm YOU handling them with gloves didn't cause it, someone probably years ago mishandled it while it was new and etched their fingerprints into it forever. The reverse might tell us more. It is always a good idea to show us both sides of your coin. Thanks. Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 97511 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:05 pm When a coin comes in contact with the oils and acids from the skin, it transfer to the coin ( or other items) If caught right away, the prints can be 'removed' by an acetone bath then a rinse of distilled water. If the print is left on the coin for a while, it becomes permeant and will not come off. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Report this Post to the Staff
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:09 pm These are the best pics of the back. I couldnt find any swirls but there does look to be a spot in the center from something. If it is acids is there something I can do to stop the processes? Report this Post to the Staff
merclover Bedrock of the Community United States 10635 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:14 pm The 'spot' looks like some sort of stain. And about acids, any damage done cannot be undone. This coin has post mint damage. Spend it and keep searching. Report this Post to the Staff
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:15 pm I know they don't look like the same coin back but the light angle almost makes it fade and near the bottom of the shield is a gouge, it's in both pics in same location Report this Post to the Staff
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:17 pm I intend to put it aside for nothing more then novelty purposes as my first mystery solved. Thanks all Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 97511 Posts	Posted 12/28/2021 10:21 pm If you are looking for a 2015 LSC to put into your collection, I would look in other locations. this coin is a cull coin (damaged). that grey spot on the obverse (front side) is zinc showing through and is starting to rot out. your coin is doomed to continue this rotting and there is nothing you can do to stop it now. It is called 'Zinc Rot' I would suggest you research it so you can better understand your coin and it's future. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Report this Post to the Staff
John1 Moderator United States 56855 Posts	Posted 12/29/2021 04:00 am . My first thought was a fingerprint as well. Looks like you will need to filter your light source, too much glare. What is your photo taking set up...camera, light source etc. John1 Report this Post to the Staff
Dmil070182 New Member United States 27 Posts	Posted 01/01/2022 4:28 pm I am simply using my LG Stylo 6 13mp camera with the Cozy Magnifying app. I'm new new new in numismatics. Report this Post to the Staff
John1 Moderator United States 56855 Posts	Posted 01/01/2022 4:39 pm You might want to invest in a clip-on magnifier for your phone. John1 Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 14 / Views: 2,328

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