Expert: Joe Hylas - 3/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: I found a 1973 dime that has an unusual ring stamped on the reverse side. I have compared it to others and not found the same marking. Any idea?
ANSWER: Hi Jon,

Sometimes coins get what appears to be a circular groove in the coin from going through counting machines.  I would bet that is what it is.
Regards
Joe Hylas

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You could be right, Now that i think about the possibility. But to understand the way the ring is and the way the surface is beveled it seems very odd, not as if a counter could have caused this. You would need to see a good picture or in person to understand.  Any other ideas?
Thanks JON  

Answer
Hi Jon,
Unless someone intentially did it either with a piece of pipe or some sort of a round puch, I have no clue.  I think the counting/wrapping machine is the likely culprit.  When you get rolls with the cinched ends, the tool sometimes makes that mark.

Regards
Joe