Error experts, is this 1939 nickel a mint error, or something else?

slimbert

This 1939 Jefferson Nickel has a copper appearance.

For those that are more familiar with errors, is this a mint error, or something else?

I do not have the coin in my possession, but it does weigh 5 grams.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you.

ModCrewman

It has spent time in the ground.

Mr_Spud

Nickels discolor real easily so it’s probably not an error if the appearance is the only thing that makes you suspect that

JBK

Well worn coins can take on various surfaces, especially if you factor in environmental damage.

Does not look undersized so not struck on a cent planchet.

Remember that nickels are made from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, so the copper in in there already.

ctf_error_coins

Not an error coin.

291fifth

Just environmental damage. No numismatic interest or value.

MarkKelley

As a metal detectorist, I can tell you that most nickels that I dig up look like this.

BuffaloIronTail

@MarkKelley said:
As a metal detectorist, I can tell you that most nickels that I dig up look like this.

The above is the answer.

Pete

koynekwest

It's corroded. Worth a nickel.

ricko

I agree with the 'coin spent time in the ground' statement. I have found several nickels like that. Cheers, RickO

slimbert

Thanks for the responses.

I thought it was unlikely that it was a mint error, but more more curious what the "something else" might be.

Sounds like several of you have seen similar looks in ground / dirt nickels. Of the dirt nickels I've seen, none have had this much of a copper-like appearance, so I wanted some second opinions.

Thanks!

WAYNEAS

@slimbert said:
Thanks for the responses.

I thought it was unlikely that it was a mint error, but more more curious what the "something else" might be.

Sounds like several of you have seen similar looks in ground / dirt nickels. Of the dirt nickels I've seen, none have had this much of a copper-like appearance, so I wanted some second opinions.

Thanks!

Welcome aboard, slimbert.
Since you have an exhumed nickel, say a few prayers over it and re-burry it. lol
Wayne

Treashunt

SOMETHING ELSE

Jimnight

Nothing special.

braddick

I always thought it would make for an interesting presentation, a Dansco type set of dug coins that look like this.
I personally like it, and if I was at a coin shop and it was offered to me at a nominal premium, I'd buy it and toss it into a bucket I have of other similar coins.

Maddie

I love the look that a dug coin has I have several that will hurt your eyes they look so good. If I find one in a shop I would throw them a doarllar for it. My kids and grandkids will love to see something like that it may not be a error but I think if you think out side the box a little you might just have something but we will never know good hunting

Barndog

worth $0.0842634

SullivanNumismatics

Almost certainly discolored or platted outside the Mint.

1Bufffan

don't forget five cent pieces are 75% copper and 25% nickel if you put it in acetone to long this happens sometimes.

Crypto

@1Bufffan said:
don't forget five cent pieces are 75% copper and 25% nickel if you put it in acetone to long this happens sometimes.

beat me to the punch, nickels are whitened copper but still copper coins

johnny9434

looks like a detecting piece to me as well