A small question

[WHADIFIND]

I'm probably asking this in the wrong place so feel free, (if need be),to move it wherever it belongs.

This is one of my finest coins found. It was found near an old hotel that did have a rather large fire back in the day.

What I'm curious about is whether the way the detail is missing on this coin was due to the fire or the mint. I did no cleaning save a bit of soap and water and a very fine brush. But, that was a long time ago.

Any thoughts?

 

[ticm]

I have never found one (yet). I hope that if I do that it comes out of the ground looking like that. It's strange how it's missing the detail your asking about. I don't think a fire would do that.

 

[WHADIFIND]

I have never found one (yet). I hope that if I do that it comes out of the ground looking like that. It's strange how it's missing the detail your asking about.

I know what you mean. I actually dug this one up and saw it myself and I STILL have trouble believing! That was found over 30 years ago!! Since then I've dug 4 more but NONE of them even come close! Hard to know why.

Anyway, I'm thinking this one might have gotten hot in the fire and melted the detail. I just don't know.

 

[VERMONTPACKRAT]

My guess is that the coin was minted fron a tapered planchet. The coin was a little thinner on one edge. Notice the detail is missing on both sides of the coin.


VPR

 

[GaRebel1861]

I've yet to dig one of those too. Maybe one day, if I'm real lucky. I think I see what you are talking about with the right rear side of the coin being more worn than the other? For that, I have no idea why but that is a really nice find.

 

[IAsoldier]

I say mint error not fire

 

[WHADIFIND]

I say mint error not fire

After doing some research, I found that this coin was difficult to make. If they stamped it to bring out all the detail of the design, it wouldn't stack up properly. The eagle was evidently too high. So, maybe, it was a bit intentional? They sure didn't last long. that may be one of the reasons why.

 

[Gunrunner61]

I've dug one of those, And It looks horrible! I thought it was an Indian head till i looked at the Wreath and noticed it was a little different
After numerous cleanings I could just make out the top of a wing...... Anyway! I too think it's a mint error.............HH

 

[oldsalty19]

great coin........may just be wear ??

 

[cudamark]

My guess is that the coin was minted fron a tapered planchet. The coin was a little thinner on one edge. Notice the detail is missing on both sides of the coin.
I agree, most likely an uneven thickness of the planchet. Could also be some odd wear before the coin was lost.

 

[WHADIFIND]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I pretty much agree with just about everything I've read.

Too bad this was found sooooo long ago. It would look very nice up there in the banner.