How can you tell if a Merc is whizzed?

Luvdawgs

I bought a complete raw Merc set (minus the 16D) a couple of years ago. With the smaller size of the Mercs vs. let's say a Morgan, I am having a hard time detecting if my Mercs have the original surface or are whizzed. I can't tell if I am seeing cartwheel luster or not. Anyone have any ideas for me? Thanks

Susan

nwcs

You can tell best with a 5x loupe. You'll see swirl patterns of luster, which are actually scratches. Any pattern of lines that is not radial is suspect. Also, look at the devices, does one side look mushy? If so, it could be the build up of metal that was moved during the whizzing. Also, whizzed ones are quite reflective, but have a uniform reflectivity without variation. Like a mirror. One way to tell is to be in a dark area and shine a pinpoint light source (like a focused maglite) and see if there are light/dark sides of luster. If there is not, then it is whizzed.

Neil

BlueCole

are you using a loupe? how does the luster jump? is it smooth movement when you rotate it under the light?

B.

Let us know!!!!

NWCS: I knew someone would beat me to it, besides, you gave better advice!!!

dorkkarl

also, if it smells like cheeze whiz, that's a dead giveaway.

K S

nwcs

Only if you're a whiz kid

braddick

I'm going to simply guess and say, "no".
I don't think Mercuries are commonly wizzed, although the die lines sometimes make these smaller silver coins appear that way.

Is it a circulated set or MintState?

Fairlaneman

Here is a example of a Whizzed Merc. Notice how flat the Luster is and the movement of metal that is apparent.



Now here is a Merc that has not been Whizzed. Real difference in the luster and strike of the coins.



Hope this helps you some.

Luvdawgs

Braddick,

It's mint state. Thanks for all your help, people