What Is This Odd Toning Pattern On Mercury Dimes?

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

Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 514
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6454 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 3:05 pm I have seen this odd toning repeatedly on many years of Mercury dimes. It happens high in front of the face, and often behind the head. Many of the coins appear to be MS or BU, so it isn't circulation damage. That same location often has a profusion of die scratches, and happens to be where PIDT occurs on the obverse. Sometimes I wonder if the scratches aren't the polished off remnants of a die clash. Does the toning happen because the die scratches are present? It doesn't seem to be a trick of the light—the coloration is on the coin surface. I am just getting into silver coins, and I really don't know much about the toning and tarnishing process for silver. Report this Post to the Staff

johnhenry9009 Valued Member United States 244 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 4:07 pm I am uneducated when it comes to Mercury dimes but I believe the toning you are talking about is from Die Polishing. Report this Post to the Staff
paralyse Bedrock of the Community United States 12057 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 4:13 pm Agree with die polishing. It also is seen quite often near IGWT. Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Report this Post to the Staff
DBM Pillar of the Community Canada 9862 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 5:37 pm How can die polishing cause toning? "Dipping" is not considered cleaning... -from PCGS website Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6454 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 6:00 pm That is, in essence, my question. Is it a coincidence that this toning always seems to happen in areas known for polishing and PIDT? If not, what does cause the toning to appear there on so many dimes? Report this Post to the Staff
johnhenry9009 Valued Member United States 244 Posts	Posted 03/24/2024 6:15 pm Quote: That is, in essence, my question. Is it a coincidence that this toning always seems to happen in areas known for polishing and PIDT? If not, what does cause the toning to appear there on so many dimes? It's not toning though? it's a very reflective part of the coin do to the Mint workers polishing that part of the working Die. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 5 / Views: 514

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

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

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!

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 0.25 seconds to rattle this change.