Pan Pac Half Dollar Toning Cause

Zoins · October 19, 2015 3:22PM

Many Pan Pac half dollars have a similar circular / ring toning pattern on the faces around the edges, a circle on the obverse and reverse that goes through the letters. On some, the circular toning is bluish on the obverse. I was wondering what caused this look? Was it the original holders?

kaz · October 19, 2015 7:44PM

I think theywere sold in velvet lined boxes that imparted pale blue and pink tones. On mine, the colors are spread across the surfaces and not in a ring pattern.

Perhaps the ring toned ones were removed from the boxes before the toning had progressed too far and later placed in an album? Just speculating.

Broadstruck · October 19, 2015 10:05PM

It's not toning and I've always felt it was die or striking related as you see the inner peripheral line even on AU examples which have been dipped multiple times.

Christos · October 19, 2015 10:49PM

Originally posted by: Broadstruck

It's not toning and I've always felt it was die or striking related as you see the inner peripheral line even on AU examples which have been dipped multiple times.

This si something I have also noticed and thought myself. You can overdip these and still see those "devices".

Broadstruck · October 19, 2015 10:55PM

These might need to be dipped in Wisk laundry detergent which has been known for decades to remove Ring Around the Collar

Eagleguy · October 19, 2015 11:24PM

A photo might be helpful here for the non-commemorative collectors

JH

keets · October 20, 2015 12:03AM

it's probably an anomoly somehow related to the annealing process which resulted in metal fatigue/softness in that particular area of the die(s). it would be interesting to know if this is unique to one die or to all the dies used to strike the coins.

I recall other threads discussing this topic, maybe do a search to see what others have had to say.

Broadstruck · October 20, 2015 12:05AM

ricko · October 20, 2015 12:05AM

These might need to be dipped in Wisk laundry detergent which has been known for decades to remove Ring Around the Collar

Good one Broadstruck..... Cheers, RickO

asheland · October 20, 2015 1:04AM

ianrussell · October 20, 2015 2:10AM

We handled this coin recently, also with the circular toning (and additional toning).

- Ian

(I guess I can't add images - what is the work around for displaying images?)

Eagleguy · October 20, 2015 3:19AM

From Commemorative Coins of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia by Q. David Bowers: “On many pieces there is an inner ‘circle’ or ‘line’ near the rim of the obverse due to die characteristics.” (pg. 128)

To also answer the original question by the OP, “the coins were sold singly in paper envelopes or as part of a group in velvet-lined black leatherette cases.” (ibid pg. 126)

JH

Pan Pac Half Dollar Toning Cause

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