Coin and Paper Money Collecting/"Ocean in View" nickels

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Expert: - 8/10/2008


Question
I purchased a roll of 2005P ocean in view nickels from the Mint. The entire roll has a distinctive copper tint. I surmise that the blanks contained an improper mix of copper to nickel. Is this a mint error which would enhance the value of the coins or a normal variation? I have never seen nickels of this shade.

Answer
Robert,

More likely your coins were improperly rinsed at the mint, leaving a film on them that turned that copper color.  While it is possible they have an improper metal mix, the improper rinse is much more likely and known of.

If you send a picture of one of the coins, next to a normal coin to show the difference in color, to an error dealer I know, he may be able to offer his opinion too :

mike@mikebyers.com

Good luck,

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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