Why do South African 2 & 2-1/2 Shillings have these "rings"

Clio

I've seen quite a few of these rings on these coins. Some are deep in the coin similar to roller damage but most just show up like this.

Some more examples:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/south-afri...1910-61321.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515

https://coins.ha.com/itm/south-afri...3054-31384.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515

https://coins.ha.com/itm/south-afri...1708-64256.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515

https://coins.ha.com/itm/south-afri...3053-38294.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515

MrEureka

Even if the grooves in the planchet are flattened out completely in striking, it stands to reason that the metal flow on the coin will be different above those planchet irregularities. And it stands to reason that metal of a certain texture will tone differently than metal of a different texture. Of course, I'm completely making that up, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

WillieBoyd2

It is not just South African coins that have rings.

Here is a Maria Theresa Thaler probably minted within the last 100 years:

Maria Theresa Thaler with obverse ring

Clio

@MrEureka said:
Even if the grooves in the planchet are flattened out completely in striking, it stands to reason that the metal flow on the coin will be different above those planchet irregularities. And it stands to reason that metal of a certain texture will tone differently than metal of a different texture. Of course, I'm completely making that up, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Had me going there for a moment lol. Idk though no one seems to know so far so.

MrEureka

@Clio said:

@MrEureka said:
Even if the grooves in the planchet are flattened out completely in striking, it stands to reason that the metal flow on the coin will be different above those planchet irregularities. And it stands to reason that metal of a certain texture will tone differently than metal of a different texture. Of course, I'm completely making that up, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Had me going there for a moment lol. Idk though no one seems to know so far so.

What would it take to actually KNOW the answer?

Clio

@MrEureka said:

@Clio said:

@MrEureka said:
Even if the grooves in the planchet are flattened out completely in striking, it stands to reason that the metal flow on the coin will be different above those planchet irregularities. And it stands to reason that metal of a certain texture will tone differently than metal of a different texture. Of course, I'm completely making that up, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Had me going there for a moment lol. Idk though no one seems to know so far so.

What would it take to actually KNOW the answer?

I would guess just knowledge of how coins were produced at the mint. If there was something they did or not to cause the rings. Similar to how Morgans are found nicely toned because of sulphur based rat repellent on mint bags. Canvas bags impart textile toning, etc. I would think a well read collector of the series would know the answer based on the circumstances of their production.

Stork

Is it a toning thing or is it the metal? And, not necessarily a difference of metal within the planchet. More along the lines of the Maria Theresa above, this particular Albanian issue has that ring toning a lot. I tend to avoid it more, so it's less noticeable on mine:

not the same coin and fainter:

A more dramatic one:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/albania/world-coins/albania-republic-frang-ar-1927-r-ms64-ngc-/a/231516-63026.s?ic4=ListView-ShortDescription-071515

I had asked at some point and a person on one of these message boards posted a photo of a coin holder from back in the day (?1960s) that was cardboard IIRC and had a little tab in that ring shape holding the coins in. It might explain the Maria Theresa which has the same look. I'll try and find the chat/photo.

Is there a holder that might explain the SA coins? Or is this on ones that might have been circulated as well?

edited to add: found it:

Clio

@Stork said:
Is it a toning thing or is it the metal? And, not necessarily a difference of metal within the planchet. More along the lines of the Maria Theresa above, this particular Albanian issue has that ring toning a lot. I tend to avoid it more, so it's less noticeable on mine:

not the same coin and fainter:

A more dramatic one:

I had asked at some point and a person on one of these message boards posted a photo of a coin holder from back in the day (?1960s) that was cardboard IIRC and had a little tab in that ring shape holding the coins in. It might explain the Maria Theresa which has the same look. I'll try and find the chat/photo.

Is there a holder that might explain the SA coins? Or is this on ones that might have been circulated as well?

edited to add: found it:

I think that could be a step closer to finding out but these rings aren't always very symmetrical. And they occur on low grade examples as well as high grade examples.