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3 Cent Nickel, does the toning/dirt on this bother anyone?

BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
Hello,

I am trying to decide if this coin will look better in person. This pics are not so bad but I am woried that the lines of toning will be dull in person. I know it is not dirt but hopefully it will draw attention. Any comments? I would like to add a decent 3 cent piece to my type set.

image

Comments

  • It doesn't/wouldn't bother me. By the way, I don't think I'd call it "dirt".
  • mirabelamirabela Posts: 5,046 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I kinda like that woodgrain look on CN coins. I don't pay extra for it or anything, but I appreciate it.
    mirabela
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The toning isn't attractive but I wouldn't try and remove it.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • ziggy29ziggy29 Posts: 18,668 ✭✭✭
    Interesting. Could this be from a badly mixed planchet, and the dark streaks are where there is too much copper and not enough nickel?
  • busco69busco69 Posts: 815 ✭✭
    I would leave it as is I like it.
    ''Coin collecting is the only hobby where you can spend all your money and still have some left''
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,222 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The lines you see are from the copper that is in the piece. Although they are called "nickel three cent pieces," these coins are actually made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. On some pieces that copper-nickel alloy was not well mixed, you ended up with the toning marks that you see on this coin.

    The 1883 is a farily low mintage year in the series. If you are going for a date collection, you should consider this piece, because it might be a while before you see another one. BUT if you just want the type, I'd look at something more common like an 1865 or 1881. You can easily find those dates without the toning that seems to bother you on this piece. My own taste runs toward "white" coins without the toning on Nickel Three Cent Pieces.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭
    I'm not a fan of the toning on that coin.

    3CN are hard to find with natural spot-free surfaces -- that's what makes finding a nice one that much better.

    Pass on this coin -- you can do better...Mike
    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • I like the coin.
    A fine historical example of a better date.
    I would like to own it.
    "Everyday above ground is a good day"

  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536
    I would agree with AU58walkers. To me this is a nice coin that I would not mind owning myself.
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    Now what if I said this was a PF67 coin. Throw out some thoughts on this.
  • I was going to say I liked the strike but didn't particularly care for the toning. I really like cameo proof coins so would prefer a PR 66 Cameo. But, hey, that is just me.
  • morganbarbermorganbarber Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭
    I don't like the toning, but don't dislike it enough to risk damaging a very nice piece. If it is proof-67, then double what I just said.
    I collect circulated U.S. silver
  • pontiacinfpontiacinf Posts: 8,915 ✭✭
    I think i would buy it for the tonning, looks fine to me
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I was going to say I liked the strike but didn't particularly care for the toning. I really like cameo proof coins so would prefer a PR 66 Cameo. But, hey, that is just me. >>



    I was thinking about the cameo also. It would be a nice plus.

    So so far it looks like about 50/50 on the toning and a ding for no cameo.

    Getting closer to a decision.
  • I still like it.
    "Everyday above ground is a good day"

  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536


    << <i>Now what if I said this was a PF67 coin. Throw out some thoughts on this. >>


    I still like the coin. I still wouldn't mind owning it. I wouldn't pay 67 money for it because I don't think it grades that high.
  • MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭
    I have trouble with that coin in a PF 67 slab.

    Which coin would you rather have? This 66 or your 67?

    imageimage

    I'd take a clean 66 over a splotchy 67, but that's just me. What matters is what YOU prefer....Mike
    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536
    I'd rather have the 1883, I feel it's a tougher piece than an 85 in proof. Besides I already have a very nice 1885 business strike which I would rather have than both of them combined.
  • MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭
    Conder,

    The original poster said they were looking to add this as their example of the type. While I agree with you the date is sexier, for a type set I tend to gravitate to eye appeal rather than rarity, and the coin in question just does not do it for me.

    In type collecting, if I can get a slightly better date without too much of an increase in price, so much the better, but not at the sacrifice of eye appeal, and particularly not for an example of the type. If the 1883 looked like the 1885, I would take it in a second, but it doesn't.

    But that's just me, and I freely admit I'm a bit off my rocker. image

    Take care...Mike

    p.s. I'd rather have the 1885 business strike too, you wanna trade?
    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • michaelmichael Posts: 9,524 ✭✭
    the lines/striations in the planchet are due to an improper alloy mixture done at the mint

    and this coin has been dipped so it has changed the color of the striations in the planchet

    the dipping along with the striations on this proof coin and the grade of proof 67 make this a no brainer pass coin for me

    and for me with the dipping and striations the eye appeal is image
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I have trouble with that coin in a PF 67 slab.

    Which coin would you rather have? This 66 or your 67?

    imageimage

    I'd take a clean 66 over a splotchy 67, but that's just me. What matters is what YOU prefer....Mike >>



    I agree and am leaning toward this type of look for a proof 3 cent piece now. Like you mentioned before this is for a type set and I am looking for a great example as I will not collect the whole series. I am not looking for rare dates so the example should be easier to find.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,350 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I would leave it as is I like it. >>

    image

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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