shield nickel with copper streaks

darktone · September 13, 2003 6:19AM

Is the copper streaks regarded as an error? Sorry about the washed out pictures but the coin is prooflike(maybe proof for all I know?) and it was hard to get a good picture of the copper streaks and an overall nice picture. mike

mgoodm3 · September 13, 2003 6:23AM

I would presume its just a variance in the planchets kinda like 1909 lincolns with their wood-grained appearance. I like the look.

lordmarcovan · September 13, 2003 6:33AM

It's probably not uncommon. I've seen it before, but never quite so pronounced. That's definitely interesting. That's the sort of "error" that would be a detraction to some and a plus to others.

Personally, my opinion falls between the two extremes. The streaks are a bit distracting on one hand, but on the other hand, they are pretty interesting. I wouldn't pay any premium for the feature, but some folks might. I kind of like it.

Shield nickels were a struggle up the learning curve for the Mint. First, the alloy was so much harder that it regularly broke the dies, which is why you see a lot of them with dramatic die breaks. I imagine they had a similarly difficult time getting the alloy right, too.

darktone · September 13, 2003 6:37AM

In person the copper is really attractive and bright so I think almost anyone would consider it a plus as it really adds eye appeal. mike

coinguy1 · September 13, 2003 6:55AM

Mike, I am by no means certain, but think those streaks are sometimes seen on dipped nickel coinage.

darktone · September 13, 2003 7:51AM

Mark, I agree a dipping will make streaks as these stand right out. mike

shield nickel with copper streaks

Comments

Leave a Comment