1977 Nickel With Large Flaking Copper Patches.

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Author	Replies: 22 / Views: 1,528	Page: of 2
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6463 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 1:04 pm Not sure what to make of this bright coppery surface. An overnight soak in acetone did not affect the copper area, which seems to be flaking along the edges of the coin. It seems like legitimate copper migration to the surface. So what caused this phenomenon—organic acids, improper annealing, exposure to heat, chemical reaction? Report this Post to the Staff

coin rejector Pillar of the Community United States 2833 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 1:12 pm Certainly appears as though it could be an annealing issue.... https://www.error-ref.com/improper-annealing/ Report this Post to the Staff
HondoB Bedrock of the Community United States 24960 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 1:12 pm It looks like staining to me. Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6463 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 1:29 pm Hondo, can staining physically peel off the coin? I'm 90% confident that the substance is copper. Report this Post to the Staff
nfine Pillar of the Community United States 3468 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 2:06 pm Looks like an annealing issue to me as well. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 187702 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 2:11 pm Very interesting. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6463 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 2:25 pm The devices are the reason that I'm cautious about calling this an annealing problem. Some of those devices (like EPU and the Monticello building) appear to show circulation wear, but no break in the copper. That suggests to me that some chemical process might have done this after a long period of circulation. Report this Post to the Staff
HondoB Bedrock of the Community United States 24960 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 2:42 pm It's paint or something like that. I can't see how only half of the coin could be improperly annealed. Also, notice how the orange color remains in recesses while nearby high points are CuNi color. This suggests to me that the staining has been worn off of those areas. Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6463 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 2:57 pm Quote: I can't see how only half of the coin could be improperly annealed. To my understanding, that happens all the time. For example: https://www.pcgs.com/cert/40214825 Report this Post to the Staff
Cujohn Pillar of the Community United States 7174 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 4:58 pm I'm in the staining camp. Report this Post to the Staff
Errers and Varietys Bedrock of the Community United States 73719 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 4:58 pm Very interesting find. Errers and Varietys. Report this Post to the Staff
oddguy Pillar of the Community United States 4135 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 5:19 pm Looks to me like it has been in a rusty tool box. Report this Post to the Staff
halfamind Pillar of the Community United States 1484 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 5:25 pm I'm in the paint/stain camp, but I've been wrong many times. If you ever had a bulk TPG submission, you could send it in for grins. Report this Post to the Staff
Marv65 Bedrock of the Community United States 10484 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 5:57 pm Does acetone remove paint? Try that - won't harm the coins then Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6463 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 6:20 pm Quote: An overnight soak in acetone did not affect the copper area, which seems to be flaking along the edges of the coin. The coppery area is impervious to acetone. Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 94867 Posts	Posted 04/29/2025 6:50 pm Maybe a science experiment? I mean the reverse is almost exactly half the coin is colored. maybe it was dipped? 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
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