I would say it is almost certainly contamination or improperly washed surface on the zinc causing zinc oxide or some similar compound to form under the copper. the copper appears to be unimpaired. --Jerry
i agree, the copper looks ok in relation to what is going on underneath. id like to know scientifically what is going on. is this an issue on anyother coins?
I would think its either the wash the planchets get(rinse) or something in the alloy its self.
If anyone wants to come up with a few hundred dollars I have a metalurgist who can tell us what it is but I don't think it's worth the lab time right now. --Jerry
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
This is blistered plating. It's thought to be caused by a poor bond between the zinc core and the copper plating. A dirty surface on the zinc core can be a contributer. In most cases this is NOT caused by subsurface corrosion. You can see this in off-center cents. The blisters are only on the struck portion, indicating that gas expansion from the heat of the strike is responsible.
Subsurface corrosion can push up similar-looking blisters, but these tend to be fewer in number, larger in size, and generally localized.
Mike Diamond is an error coin writer and researcher. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those held by any organization I am a member of.
Comments
Absolutely.
Is this contaminants in the base metal?
I would think its either the wash the planchets get(rinse) or something in the alloy its self.
do they carry a premium?
I may have another use for a metalurgist in the not so distant future.
<< <i>do they carry a premium? >>
if they do then the whole world's gone ga-ga-goo-goo.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
I've seen quite a few, this one seems the worst so I thought I'd ask about the reason.
Does Jerry have the best explaination? <<contamination or improperly washed surface on the zinc.....>>
<< <i>I think that was Ron Jeremy's pocket piece...I would toss it if I were you >>
I suspect in the years to come, the high grade post-1982 "zincolns" that do not blister will be worth serious money.
at least they're not milk spots
Is there enough time between the zink cleaning & copper plating for the planchets to get corroded?
ArizonaJack, those are different type of blisters than the ones you're familiar with!!
<< <i>ArizonaJack, those are different type of blisters than the ones you're familiar with!!
Lincoln set Colorless Set
Subsurface corrosion can push up similar-looking blisters, but these tend to be fewer in number, larger in size, and generally localized.