Question About Die Rust-->HELP!

RKKay

Strange question, but I know someeone here will have a good answer.

In the mid-1850s, some pattern diess were stored at the Mint, I presume, until 1869. How long would it take in storage for dies to rust enough that it would be readily apparent on the rims of restrikes? Thanks. Rick

gecko109

So many variables, particularly humidity and temp of storage areas.

RKKay

<< <i>So many variables, particularly humidity and temp of storage areas. >>



I'm hopiing someone here may have some knowledge as to some dies (or storage areas), so I have at least some foundation, shaky or not.

coinlieutenant

If you hope in one hand and crap in another....

I would say it could happen very fast Rick, but that is a swag. It could happen very slowly too.

If there is evidence of rust on the coin in question, then you have your answer.

gecko109

I understand you want a quick and dirty answer, but it is impossible to generalize about your inquiry. Quick example. a set of dies taken from the press and stored in a damp mint basement might show visible signs of rusting in as little as a year. Those same dies if lightly oiled and placed in the same basement might remain rust free for 10 or more years. Or the same dies, not oiled and taken to an above grade storage room may be rust free for 3.5 years. Do you see what im getting at? It is completely impossible to accurately answer your question.

Also, you would see evidence of rusted dies not only in the rims, but prominantly in the fields of the struck coins as well.

Lakesammman

Where JK when you need him.

fc

i remember reading a thread that mentioned that dies became
rusty just from the transportation period from the P mint to another
branch mint. Long ago that may have been a journey of months
during damp rainy weather.

RKKay

Thanks, everyone.

Gecko: Thanks. It makes sense. I'm just hoping someone has knowledge as to how these dies may have been stored at the time, etc. I believe the fields were
polished before the restrikes.

lordmarcovan

Steel can rust pretty darn quickly, from what I have seen.

How long it takes to actually cause pits in the metal that would affect the dies' function is something I am clueless about, of course.

gecko109

Some CC dimes show blistering in the fields due to pitting of the rusted dies. You cannot simply polish away a serious pit in the fields of a die.

RKKay

<< <i>Some CC dimes show blistering in the fields due to pitting of the rusted dies. You cannot simply polish away a serious pit in the fields of a die. >>



The patterns I'm looking at don't seem to have rust in the fields.

gecko109

<< <i>

<< <i>Some CC dimes show blistering in the fields due to pitting of the rusted dies. You cannot simply polish away a serious pit in the fields of a die. >>



The patterns I'm looking at don't seem to have rust in the fields. >>



Apparently they did not oxidize for very long then huh?

RKKay

I just noticed some rust on one of the stars. I agree. The rust "bubbles" are very small and distinct and only on the rim or devices.

PerryHall

The mint would usually coat the dies not being used with wax or grease before being placed in storage unless they forgot to.

RKKay

Thanks again, everyone.