Expert: Dan Moore - 9/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: This coin is very interesting, it has clear parallel defects on the obverse that cause bumps of varying heights on the lines in the surface.
The reverse has a couple of slight areas that show similar effect.
Curious if you've seen this type of clad error before.
I can send more pics, if you need them.

Thanks
Dan - Seattle

ANSWER: Dan,

Your coin did not come from the mint like that.  Those lines are caused by heat -- like somebody laid the coin on a hot barbeque grill -- and the heat caused a reaction between the two different types of metal in the coin -- the silver and the copper/nickel.

Considered damaged, it has no collector value, but it is still worth about $2 for the silver it contains.

Dan


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

QUESTION: A barbecue grill?? Sorry, I'm sure it's not from that.
these lines are far too close together.
Heat changes the silver, too. This coin shows no sign of heat damage.
Here is a pic of the obverse.

Dan

Answer
I didn't mean it had to be a barbeque grill, but something like that -- perhaps like a toaster oven or some other kind of heated surface with raised lines or wires on it.  The heating in specific lines on the surface of the coin caused the metal underneath to raise up along those lines, while the remainder of the surface remained at its original relief.  I've seen this on other coins hat have bimetal compositions.

I hope this helps,

Dan