The complexity of copper

shylock

In its finest state there's something about this metal can't be described, only appreciated. To me it seems to acquire toning in a different manner than silver and gold, especially in a prooflike state like this 18th century British token (imaged at two different angles with the same lights and camera settings). Are there any metallurgy experts who can explain the unique qualities of this metal in layman's terms?

cosmicdebris

I know what you mean. Copper is so complex and just a slight tilt of the coin produce such a dramatic difference in the image.

MacCrimmon

66Tbird

I couldn't agree more. Old proof copper can be very pleasing to the eye. It seems that with their mirrored surfaces, they can just paint them selfs into master pieces. That picture on the right is AWESOME,,

Sorry can't answer your question, just thought I'd say

Lakesammman

Boy, sure agree with you, Shylock. Here are 3 attempts on the same coin with 3 different results. Looks like the more colorful coin in person.

mgoodm3

That's why I like proof copper.

MacCrimmon

Nice Indians, Lake.


Here's one of my Blue Bell coppers. It has very hard PL surfaces which in my experience seem to pick up the blue / lilac tones much better.

shylock

Lakes - try to imagine what that 1877 looks like outside of the slab! You'd have a whole new set of pics that would absolutely blow us away, I had the advantage of imaging that token raw. When I think of beautifully toned MS Indian cents I think of that coin first.

I'd appreciate conjecture from anyone about the unique qualities of copper. I think it's safe to say it's the most sensitive metal, prone to spotting more than gold or silver. It can be as ugly as sin or as beautiful as three dimensional Monet. Especially in prooflike state where the surfaces seem so receptive to outside influence. Is a smooth, well struck copper surface like a lightening rod to chemical reaction? The Toned Coin Society should have a special chapter for copper proofs.

shylock

MacCrimmon's Blue Bell half penny is another example of a well struck copper being an eager receptor of color

Lakesammman

Shylock:

Don't you have a blue IHC you could share with us??