1856 Large Cent - Does this pitting look like corrosion, or planchet flaws?

Russ

Need some expert opinions.



Here's the rest of the coin:




It's currently in an NGC MS65BN holder.

Russ, NCNE

marmac

me thinketh planchet/die issue

billboat

Looks like the planchet-------nice coin.

Cladiator

Rusted die?

airplanenut

I'd vote against corrosion because corrosion typically affects a whole region--what's not "pitted" in the sense of being dug into the coin is still usually rough in feel. On this coin, though, the pitting is localized, and surrounded by smooth copper.

lordmarcovan

I'd have to go with the planchet flaw theory, since it's hard to fathom a corroded coin being so lustrous and nice looking.

Maybe the planchet was slightly corroded before the coin was struck?

TheRegulator

Judging by the pics, I would vote for pre-striking plan flaws.

lkenefic

I'm thinking it might be an issue with the die.

commoncents05

<< <i> Rusted die? >>

JRocco

Comparing the design to the fields makes me think it is a pre-struck planchet issue.

Russ

This is why I love this place. Thanks!

Russ, NCNE

BigMoose

Russ, those are multiple tiny planchet flaws, and these are seen commonly on Late Date and earlier date Large Cents. If it were a rusted die, the flaws would be raised( like die file lines ) and not into the copper like these planchet flaws. Nice coin!

sleeper

To me from your picture it looks like possibly a rusty die was used. The coin appears very nice in the picture. Even a MS69 coin can have bagmarks that look like the Grand Canyon if you use enough magnification.

Andrew

kryptonitecomics

<< <i>Rusted die? >>



That was my first thought.......

MikeKing

This is a good learning post.
I have to agree that this is a pre-strike planchet or die issue and not corrosion.

sleeper

Actually the best way to find out the true cause of the issue here is to look at other coins struck from the same pair of dies in the same diestate. If they have the same marks then it would have to be from the die. If they dont then would be from the planchet. Ideally find one from before and one from after the same diestate to be sure.

Andrew

Omega

<< <i>This is a good learning post. >>



Good point. I just learned something!

GullibleNewb

The jury has spoken.

Russ

Russ, NCNE

TwoSides2aCoin

Excellent coin.

Coin Finder

Well as usual I am late, but that is not corrosion.

Nice coin!

Longacre

<< <i>Rusted die? >>



Would die rust be raised? I am not sure.

lkenefic

<< <i>

<< <i>Rusted die? >>



Would die rust be raised? I am not sure. >>



I was thinking exactly the opposite. If the rust showed up as raised spots on the die it would transfer onto the planchet when struck. Wouldn't they have gotten rid of a die that was that rusted out??

...where's Conder101??????

Nic

Planchet flaws. Nice coin! Rusted dies leave raised "spots" for the rust is weaker than the planchet/intact die metals. K

1798CentCollector

A rusted die is pitted and the the coin will exhibit raised dots or areas where the rust on the die is evident. Not the case here. From the photo this doesn't appear to be corrosion either. Possibly an imperfect planchet - the letters appear to have struck through the imperfections somewhat

Craton

<< <i>Rusted die? >>



That would be my guess too ........ but I'm FAR from an expert on the subject.

MikeInFL

Planchet flaws in all likelihood, but I can't rule out a strike through of some type. I don't think it is a rusted die as they are not raised...Mike

Conder101

As of iron rusts, unlike the compounds that form on many other metals, it creates raised flakes or blisters on the surface of the metal that are fragile and crumble off the surface easily leaving pits in the surface. This is called spalling. This can be easily seen in the flaking rusted surfaces of old iron objects. Now a die might have these flakes o rblisters on the surface and strike one coin creating pits in the coin, but they would then crumble away leaving pits that would leave raised lumps on the coin. I would definitely say that the coin in question does not show the results of corrosion to the coin, or rusting of the die.

Coxe

<< <i>

<< <i> Rusted die? >>



>>



I don't. A rusted die results in raised pits in the struck coin. This is a flawed planchet. There was not grease on the die, ebcuse grease would have flowed into the letters and have much more effect on devices than fields. I do not like the green though. Always a bad thing to see on copper.

291fifth

Pre-existing flaws in the planchet. Not a coin I'd pay 65 money for.