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Experimental Planchet? Golden 1999 NJ State Quarter with Copper Core Question.

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a coin that I have that is golden in color and has a copper core. The obvious question is whether or not this coin could be struck on an experimental planchet or not - as found with the 5 1999 state quarters (15 total as last i researched) and 1 2000 Mass. coin.

It appears to match the Type 1 description of experimental planchets but there are a few things that don't align with general 'telltale' signs that are found all over the internet which were written when the experimental planchets were first discovered.

The terms used in the telltale signs are WEIGHT, SIZE, COLOR, LOOK, EDGE, STRIKE, and REEDING and the following is what's usually found when researching this type of error..

WEIGHT - ALL examples discovered so far are OVERWEIGHT - varying from 5.9 grams to 6.3 grams.

SIZE - It will be slightly THICKER than a regular State Quarter, due to the heavier planchet.

COLOR - So far, the pieces discovered are either the same "color" as a Sacagawea Dollar, or they have a slight "green hue" to them.

LOOK - The edge is slightly rough and may have a higher rim around part of the edge.

EDGE - Some of these do NOT have a center COPPER CORE.

STRIKE - None discovered so far are proof-like in the fields.

REEDING - Some of these have incomplete reeding.

The coin I have does have the (COLOR) aspect and is definitely not proof-like in the fields (STRIKE).

I do have issues with the vague EDGE and REEDING description because anyone who took a logic course will tell you that "Some of these do NOT have a center COPPER CORE" also basically means that "Some of these MAY have a center COPPER CORE" or "Some of these have incomplete reeding" also basically means "Some of these DO NOT have incomplete reeding".

My coin does have the copper core and it does have complete reeding so in terms of the EDGE and REEDING telltale signs, I'm not sure what the correct interpretation should be on if it matches.

What's left is the WEIGHT, SIZE, and LOOK. Obviously the WEIGHT and SIZE are inter-related as a thicker size planchet would weigh more, which may also contribute to the LOOK of the coin.

The weight of the my coin is 5.72 grams and the thickness does seems to resemble that of a regular state quarter. I used a digital scale which I know may not be the most accurate but is what was available to me. I measured out a regular state quarter and got 5.64 grams but I know that there should always be some variable weight to be left accounted for. It doesn't seem to have a higher rim, but again, if it's not a thicker planchet, then it probably won't have a higher rim.

I know that the obvious answer is that it could be plated but if it is, should the edge show the copper core? The mint made gold plated coins I see have a uniform gold plating over the edge (as far as I know) so the copper isn't showing. If I'm wrong in this, please correct me.

Another obvious answer is that it is some high-school electrolysis project to coat the coin with some metal. I'm not to keen on the science behind it all but, it's hard to believe that the entire coin could go through the process but it'll leave the copper on the edge uncoated. If there's any science guys out there that could explain if it is possible, I'd appreciate the input. You can definitely see the the gold color and the coppr color on the edge.

And of course, this could simply be privately made product which I'll be the first to admit I have no clue on how to tell if it is. I'll even go as far as to say that if if is some golden mint made coin, I wouldn't know it either. Like I said, I always thought the plated coins from the mint have gold all around.

Anyway, any input would be appreciated and I thank you in advance for it. I'll try and attach some pictures so if it doesn't get though, let me know.

Try not to be to harsh on me if it turns out to be something simple that I'm totally missing. I wouldn't ask if I didn't know.

Thanks,
Jabby

Comments

  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,956 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My first thought was that it was plated (there's a guy that sets up at the coin shows in this area that has about 20 different bins of gold-plated state quarters). I do find it interesting, though, that the copper part of the sandwich is plainly visible on the edge. It also looks like the gold is only on the outer metal. I wish I had a definitive answer...might be worth submitting to see what happens.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Thanks for the super fast reply cmerlo1! I was thinking about sending it in to see what'll happen but I figured I might as well through the line out and see how other people see the coin first. Obviously my bias is to think I found something of worth, but I was curious to see the general consensus.
  • jessewvujessewvu Posts: 5,065 ✭✭✭✭✭
    it looks definitely plated to me, the gold wraps around the coin very unevenly.
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,923 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It is not one of those struck on
    an Experimental Planchet; as
    others have said, it appears to
    be a normal coin, either toned,
    or lightly gold-plated....
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Additionally, the gold plating (extremely thin.. probably .00005 or less) would not show as clearly on the copper as it does on the clad layer. Cheers, RickO
  • 66Tbird66Tbird Posts: 2,858 ✭✭✭
    Plated. I've got one here in front of me. Not much green tint, but never pocketed either. So its quite gold in color. Same state also!

    Had a roll of them a few years back from a yard sale blowout of Littleton junk. I started giving them away as change. Some bozo just had to have them and whipped out a pair a twenties for the half full plastic tube I had left. I gave him the tube and took a twenty. Anything to shut him up was my main goal. No wonder Littleton made a killing.
    Need something designed and 3D printed?
  • rgCoinGuyrgCoinGuy Posts: 7,478
    "The mint made gold plated coins I see have a uniform gold plating over the edge (as far as I know) so the copper isn't showing. If I'm wrong in this, please correct me. "


    The mint didn't make the gold plated ones, so you know, they are aftermarket. As the others have stated, this appears to probably be plated (the edge plating could have worn off or not been applied completely) or simply golden toned.
    imageQuid pro quo. Yes or no?
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,404 ✭✭✭✭✭
    All of the experimental pieces I've seen have very distinctive highly lustrous satiny PL surfaces. Your piece looks nothing like them. Which doesn't prove anything, but it's not promising.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.

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