Seeking true expertise...This penny is on FIRE! And what are those "ocean ripples" from?!
Kurisu
Posts: 1,994 ✭✭✭✭✭
Many have probably noticed the "ripples" that can sometimes be seen on the coin's mirrored surfaces when holding the coin at the correct angle.
So what the heck are those ripples from?! Please and thank you 
I can't even find a reference to what these ripples are actually called.
My honest guess has been that they are from a polishing choice on the die that show on very high quality strikes?
Who is a true expert and can explain?
I posted this penny on reddit and it caused quite a stir...
Hundreds of upvotes but nobody explained those lovely ripples.
One interesting guess was that it's zinc changing shape after minting, but I have no idea...and I can see it on a brand new 2020 penny I have.
No joke it's the most incredible coin I have ever seen, held, or owned.
I've been collecting for over 40 years and have a whole lot of Proof 70's.
But this penny, this is a life affirming penny.
It really looks alive like this, even in dim light.
Coins are Neato!
"If it's a penny for your thoughts and you put in your two cents worth, then someone...somewhere...is making a penny." - Steven Wright
Comments
You'll get better answers elsewhere....
But It is interesting in that the proper polished finish is there for a proof, but the waviness is certainly not normal....
I'm guessing either
1) An improperly finished die(?), (jumped to the polish stage before finished).....
2) Or damage during striking(?) Certainly looks more significant than die wear, but don't know what it could strike to impart that pattern.
I'm sure someone will know....or be a better guesser than me....
It is a type of planchet defect that is common on zinc cents. Commonly called plating bubbles or occluded gas. Your coin has more of lines than bubbles.
It could be the refraction (the bending of light rays from one medium to another) of the light from the slab. Those lines may not appear when it is outside the slab.
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I just grabbed the first proof set I could find and the cent has a texture.
I think if you look at more proof cents you will find it is not uncommon.
Those platting bubbles are very common in both Proof and MS copper platted zinc coins from 1984 into the early 90's.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Another example.
In reality it would be harder to find a Lincoln during those years that don’t have platting issues.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Huh....would not have guessed plating issues could be that severe. But there are enough examples in this thread to tell me different.
That is interesting on a proof coin......certainly stands out. Cheers, RickO
Yep ... I total agree. In fact you can see the lines real clear in the second photo with zoom.