Expert: Dan Moore - 3/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 99 US nickel that is gold in color but I don't think its gold due to its weight.  Many have told me this nickel just missed the nickel coating *or what makes it look silver to me* but was curious if it had any value or if its just a dud

ANSWER: Patrick,

There is no "coating" in nickels -- they are a solid mix of 25% nickel and 75% copper.

Therefore I have to believe you coin was just exposed to some kind of contaminant that caused it to change color.  You'd be surprised how lying in a sewer for a week can radically change the appearance of a coin.

Dan


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

QUESTION: Ok so then for the sake of argument why would this nickel look like a gold coin?  I mean it looks as mint as it came right from the mint....if it had sat around there would be some sign of wear and tear over the years.....or am I just looking to much into this

Answer
Patrick,

Over the course of time, just sitting around -- like in a drawer or something -- can cause the coin to change color, while still retaining the appearance of a freshly minted coin.  In the coin collecting circles this is referred to as toning.

For instance, there is a little town near me that has so much sulphur in the air and water, that if you leave any coins laying out in the air for a couple months, they will turn black!

Color changes on coins is not unusual.  There are a bunch of collectors that look for that specifically.  It doesn't take much exposure to some chemicals to make the color change happen.

I hope this helps,

Dan