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 Replies: 13 / Views: 4,150 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
While helping an elderly neighbor get her internet connection back up, she mentions that she is trying to find out if an old nickel she found in her late husband's desk is worth much. From a quick google search, I found that the coin would probably be considered nearly 'very fine' status. However, something caught my eye that I haven't seen in any of the images I referenced in my search. The nickle she has seems to have an inner circle which surrounds the liberty head. It also appears on the back. I am not a coin collector, but rather an interested party who would like to know if this is a typical or normal thing to see in a coin, or if this is something that would make this coin unique and more valuable to a collector. Hopefully, there will be an image attached to this post (This is my first time posting here). Please excuse the quality of the image, it was taken with my camera phone. I can provide much better ones if necessary. Thank you in advance for any and all comments/suggestions/assistance in this matter.   |
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
Could this be a 'wrong planchet' error? Or is this effect even considered an error?
Another request for advice... should she try to clean this coin with Vinegar or other suggested coin cleaning methods? Or is it best to leave old coins alone in the condition they are? I just want to give her some good, sound advice as to what she should do with this coin. Thanks for any assistance.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
Certainly no cleaning! Vinegar would ruin most of the value. I am not sure what to make of that ring.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
Condition Fine
Value: (retail) $30.
But--
Possibly post mint damage.
Need clearer picture to be sure.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
 to the Forum Do not clean that coin. As to that rign around the center. I have no idea of what caued that but really doesn't look like post mint damage. Not sure what it is but if an error coin, could be worth much more than normal coin value. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
Nice coin. I would not clean this coin. The coins you may see some members clean on here, with vinegar, are so far damaged that they have no collector value.
The ring, it is hard to tell. Is it possible that this coin had been in a holder of some sort. And that is it just stained.
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I will post more pictures soon and try to show as much detail as possible. The 'ring' is not a stain, but rather a 'bulge'. (notice the shadows and highlights). It is rather significant, in my opinion, and almost looks like a small thin disc 'inside' this nickle. I believe it has to be a mint error of some description. Would weighing the coin be useful? I have access to a nearby laboratory. What about dimensions? I guess what I am asking is, is there any 'key' information which I can provide that will be helpful in identifying this anomaly and it's probable cause?
Also, I will advise her not to clean the coin. Any other advice on what to put this in or how to best handle it? Is it worth me buying some kind of special 'coin holder' for her to put it in? Or should she be safe with the zip-lock baggie she has it in now!
Thanks to everyone who has replied. My neighbor is 93 years old, and I think this is providing her with a nice diversion from the everyday routine! All your input is appreciated.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
A weight would be helpful, but would need to be at least .01 gram accuracy for best results. A ziploc bag for storage is not bad, I have my bulk silver coins stored in those but a cardboard 2x2 might be somewhat better and might cost as much as 5 cents, if you have a nearby coin store. Unless someone recognizes this coin as having some type of error making it very valuable, I do not see much need to buy a more substantial holder for the coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
 My first reaction was die clash, but now I'm not sure at all! Cool coin! DON'T clean it. The coin MAY be more valuable, but only sold through the right channels. The most likely person to sell this coin at a higher value is a coin dealer or somebody who sells coins regularly - somebody who knows people interested in error nickels. Posting it up here is definitely the right first step as there's a chance somebody here will be interested in it and give you full "retail". Cool coin, thanks for sharing - and you've done the right thing! =) |
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New Member
Canada
39 Posts |
Quote:
The 'ring' is not a stain, but rather a 'bulge'. (notice the shadows and highlights). It is rather significant, in my opinion, and almost looks like a small thin disc 'inside' this nickle. Hi, good luck with this coin. Does the bulge which you describe occur on both sides of the coin? Or is there a bulge on one side, and a depression on the other? |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
The bulge appears on both sides of the coin (most noticeable in my original photos above the 'CENTS', but still not as obvious as on the face of the coin). I am going by after work to take high resolution photos with a 'real' camera and will post them as soon as possible.
Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
I've never seen a coin with a bulge like that that wouldn't be considered post-Mint damage. However, there's always a first.
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
476 Posts |
Well, I see you got the picture thing down. I have one from the 50's similar to this, my take was that it is a lamination issue, that there was "gas" of some sort in the planchet that caused it to bubble/bulge. I ended up labeling my 2x2 as "planchet issues", since I was ultimately unsure of what caused it. I'm not good at putting values on errors. To the right person a true lamination issue would be worth a few bucks extra. Good luck, and kudos for helping out the lil old lady. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 4,150 |
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Posted 09/02/2010 11:42 am
