Coin and Paper Money Collecting/copper blotches

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Expert: - 11/15/2008


Question
I have a US Quarter New York and there are copper blotches on front and back of the coin as if it "leaked" from the center to the surface. These "leakes" match from the center copper on the edges so I am sure it was not caused from some chemical reaction.

Answer
Clifford,

Sounds like the blank for your coin was cut from a part of the metal strip that did not get properly coated with the outer layer of shiny copper/nickel.  So when it got struck, the copper underneath came through.

This is similar to if you get a modern penny and run it through one of those novelty elongating machines, like you see at some amusement parks -- the zinc core comes through the copper.

Value is a couple dollars.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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