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 Replies: 16 / Views: 15,695 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5606 Posts |
I have today another apparent major mint error.I have a 1966 Roosevelt dime, with what appears to be missing the outer copper-nickel layers on the coin, or a "core only" Dime. I have weighed a normal dime and it weighs 2.27 grams, this dime, weighs 1.0 grams exactly 1.27 grams lighter than a normal Dime. I also took a micrometer to a normal dime, 1968, and measuring from the face cheek to the back of the coin it measures.047, the missing layers coin measures.026-27 or 026.5, missing .020 thickness by comparison. I am researching errors like this to evaluate the rarity and the interest or value of such errors.I think this coin is a sweet major error!  This coin is so thin it is actually brittle feeling like some other ones I have found lately, also the diameter of a normal coin is 17.9 mm or .701, and the error coin measures .672,which translates to being .029 smaller than the normal Dime. It is not as worn as the figures suggest, The reeding is there just not as pronounced as usual, as if in the collar, because it was not as wide as it should be the reeding is there, just not as deep and raised as it should be.  I would ask if others have seen this type error before and if so I am interested in the rarity of just such an error. I would also say this is NOT a counterfeit coin but appears that during the planchet production process, the layers of copper-nickel were not included in the P portion or the planchet portion of the P D S procedure of making a coin, I would again be seeking any comments about this coin, thanks in advance to all, Mike....         Edited by Morgans Dad
03/31/2010 12:10 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2734 Posts |
Your dime was attacked with acid or some other corrosive liquid. The clad layers were entirely dissolved.
Error coin writer and researcher.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5606 Posts |
Mike,
Thanks for your input, I see what appears to be what you are saying, but how would that explain the weight difference, the diameter size,the thickness being less than half the size it should be and if a corrosive liquid attacked this coin, how would the relief be so clear and not attacked, at least with coin in hand it is clearly not affected ( the relief ) by any damage that could possibly of occurred, thanks again for your input, Mike...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2734 Posts |
The blurred design, perfect centering, abnormally small size, and thin-to-vanishing design rim are all characteristic of this kind of damage. You'll also undoubtedly find "scalloped" reeding on the edge. The corrosive liquid attacks all areas equally, preserving the design. This is not a close call.
Error coin writer and researcher.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5606 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Interesting. I agree it has all the characteristics of a acid soaked coin, but I'm not sure what you would use that would attack the coppernickel clad layers faster than the copper core. Typically the clad layers are more resistant and the copper core dissolves faster leaving the silver colored outer layers and a groove around the edge where the copper center is eaten away.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
They probably used sulfric acid in Chemistry class. That is usually where this occurs the most. Back in the 50 & 60's a Cent was acid soaked to make a dime out of it. They would take that thin cent and buy a soda for a cent instead of a dime. That is why you find more pre 60's cents burned that way.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5606 Posts |
Thanks guys for your input, I too believe this matter and opinions leave more questions unanswered,for instance the thickness of the dime?.Also the reeding still has the copper/nickel layer on it?. To me at least, just my opinion, be well, Mike....I would like to make it perfectly clear I have been a Numismatic student for more than 45+ years and still learning everyday!!Not an expert!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
602 Posts |
Wait a minute. I'm no expert at coin errors or collecting at all. But, let me pose this question. Everyone is saying acid was used to disolve the nickel plating off the copper? I find that hard to believe. I've dug tons of clad coinage out of salt water and the first to go in that environment is the copper not the nickel. So I dont see how something would be that abrasive to the nickel but not the copper. WOLF
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5606 Posts |
WnW, Welcome to the family, I think you have a very valid point, lets see who weighs in to add to the topic....Mike.... |
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
The reduced thickness and weight plus, an etched surface appearance is a tell tale sign of acid or chemical exposure.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
602 Posts |
Everyone keeps sayin that but what acid will deteriorate nickel faster than copper? WOLF
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1934 Posts |
I have a rudimentary understanding of chemistry. It's hard for me to grasp that nickel dissolved faster than copper and that if that dime were attacked with acid, how the obverse is still in VF condition.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2734 Posts |
I don't know if it was acid or some other kind of corrosive solution. But there's no doubt that this coin was subjected to chemical attack that dissolved the clad layers. I've seen many (formerly) clad coins just like it.
Error coin writer and researcher.
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Valued Member
United States
273 Posts |
I used to have a michigan Statehood Quarter that was missing a clad layer. The front looked normal, the back was copper colored. I took it to a coin dealer and he told me it was junk, then asked if I wanted to just leave it with him. Nice try. I held onto it for a few years and sold it on the bay for a little over $600. This dime looks like it could be a clad error, but I also see how it could be eaten by acid. Just one of those mysteries. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 15,695 |
Posted 03/31/2010 12:36 am
