HK-1 Erie Canal Medal NGC AU58 - Comments on the Surfaces
poorguy
Posts: 4,317 ✭
A client of mine brought me an Erie Canal HK-1 medal graded by NGC as an AU58. I'm not exactly a world renound expert on So-Called dollars. However, I do know that this particular medal features a textured field. Upon inspecting this example, I noticed a slight wavyness to the reverse and on the lower obverse near the rim. Also, there are numerous raised bumps (small bubbles?) across nearly the entire surface. I know that this medal was made in pewter (tin alloyed with copper). Copper has a melting point of 1981.4 Farenheit and Tin has a melting point of only 449.5 Farenheit. However, Pewter has a melting point of ~500 Farenheit. If these two metals weren't alloyed correctly, could one of them sort of "bubble" out of the pewter alloy if temperatures reached over 449.5 F? With the wavy surface of the reverse combined with the bumps on the surface, is it possible this is from the medal being in some high-heat environment even for a short time? I.E. Environmentally damaged? Here are some photos. Sorry about the size but you need to get a good look to see what I'm talking about.
Brandon Kelley - ANA - 972.746.9193 - http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com
0
Comments
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>I don't know but I really enjoyed the fact that you posted a coin that does not make me drool.
Like this one?
<< <i>Looks like just about every other HK-1 that I've seen. I'm not a huge fan of the medal because of that. This history is cool especially with the original holder, but I don't like the bumpy look. I don't know what caused this, but I would presume that you are correct. If this was the only one that looked like that, I would possibly agree that it might be environmental damage. In that I've seen so many like this, it is more likely as made. >>
Even with the wavy surface on the reverse? That's what made me think it may have been ED. If they designed the dies like that or if they rusted before using them, that is God-awful ugly.
Not wonderful, but not bad. If I owned it I would be happy with it.
MOO
TD