Buffalo with a blob

dirtfisher1127

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Aug 8, 2011
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I've posted this nickel on some coin sites without much success. Almost everyone who had an opinion thinks this is a piece of solder or other material added after the coin left the mint. I have examined the piece VERY closely, and the material is the same nickel material which comprises the coin. Embedded in the "blob" are several letters--possibly part of "Liberty" but are of a different style than those of the Buffalo.....I thought maybe from a coin of another denomination. I truly believe this is some sort of mint error, but first, I am NO expert, and second, the coin belongs to me, and that may make me somewhat partial to my theory. What do you guys and gals think--mint error, or a later "add on"? I would love to hear your opinions, no matter whether pro or con! Thanks!
 

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CoinHELP!

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I can see the letters, and the font is off another coin type and denomination. So my opinion is that another coin was melted onto this coin, and it might have been on purpose. A house fire would have melted both coins.

I just can't think of anything during the minting process that could cause this to happen.
 

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dirtfisher1127

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Aug 8, 2011
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CoinHELP! said:
I can see the letters, and the font is off another coin type and denomination. So my opinion is that another coin was melted onto this coin, and it might have been on purpose. A house fire would have melted both coins.

I just can't think of anything during the minting process that could cause this to happen.
That's an excellent theory, and one I had not thought of--I think you might be on to something! Thanks!
 

capndan151

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Apr 29, 2007
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It was melted together with another coin to make some kind of jewelery like a bracelet. They used to do that a lot in the 60's and 70's. The bond usually wasn't the best and this coin probably broke off the bracelet.
 

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dirtfisher1127

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Aug 8, 2011
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capndan151 said:
It was melted together with another coin to make some kind of jewelery like a bracelet. They used to do that a lot in the 60's and 70's. The bond usually wasn't the best and this coin probably broke off the bracelet.

Another great idea! Why didn't I think of any of these? I guess I just wanted it to be a rare (and valuable) mint error so badly, I had blinders on!
 

1235CE

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I think everyone is right on the mark here. :icon_thumleft:

A multiple coin belt buckle comes to mind for me but it could have been just about anything, with just about any other coin soldered onto it.

Cool nonetheless. :icon_thumright:

HH all!

Greg
 

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dirtfisher1127

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Aug 8, 2011
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I wholeheartedly agree with all the theories put forth here, but one thing still haunts me--I went back yet another time to examine the nickel and the "blob" is not really solder of any kind as far as I can tell--it's actual nickel material just like the coin itself. I did some tests on it and it's the same color, hardness, and (I think!) physical composition as the nickel itself. Do they make a nickel solder? If that's the case, then problem solved. Thanks.
 

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