1989 plating error or removed post mint?

[VAB2013]

Acetone to what is in the pic and it still looks the same. I think I'll just send to Mike. Do I do this through Cuds on Coins or directly to Mike? New to the submission aspect.

Good idea Jon, PM mike (mikediamond) and he will message you back or write the directions on your thread. Please include a link to your thread so he can find it easy even though he has already seen it.

[mikediamond]

The new photos leave me less optimistic that this is genuine. Nevertheless, there's no harm in having me taking a closer look.

[jfines69]

Cool... Thanks Mike!!!

[makecents]

Thanks Mike! The coin has left the building.

[GrumpyEd]

I have a theory on these and the supposed "Texas cents".
There was a post on here from someone that found several in the dirt, all unplated.
I've found several too, mostly in sand areas and it's hot here.
What I think is that there are natural conditions that can remove plating and even make the cent bigger. It's either fire or long exposure to heat and something from being in the hot dry ground. What I'm saying is they aren't all made by jokers or science projects, it can happen on it's own in the right conditions.

I have a very neat one, it's about nickel size, slightly concave and no plating but not a mark on it. Found it in a sandy area. It's about the 10th unplated cent I've found in similar areas, some normal size and some bigger diameter and some dished/concave.

[makecents]

I have a theory on these and the supposed "Texas cents".
There was a post on here from someone that found several in the dirt, all unplated.
I've found several too, mostly in sand areas and it's hot here.
What I think is that there are natural conditions that can remove plating and even make the cent bigger. It's either fire or long exposure to heat and something from being in the hot dry ground. What I'm saying is they aren't all made by jokers or science projects, it can happen on it's own in the right conditions.

I have a very neat one, it's about nickel size, slightly concave and no plating but not a mark on it. Found it in a sandy area. It's about the 10th unplated cent I've found in similar areas, some normal size and some bigger diameter and some dished/concave.

This one being from 89 has had all kinds of time to see the beach and many other places I'm sure. I didn't really think about that either but given the extremely thin plating, as you said, would only need the right conditions and time. I'm curious to see what Mike says.

[mikediamond]

I'm sorry to report that the unplated 1989 cent is fake. The plating was chemically stripped after the coin left the Mint. The surface is covered with microscopic bumps, which is a classic indicator of chemical removal of the copper plating.

[makecents]

I'm sorry to report that the unplated 1989 cent is fake. The plating was chemically stripped after the coin left the Mint. The surface is covered with microscopic bumps, which is a classic indicator of chemical removal of the copper plating.

Thank you for taking a look at it and getting to it so quickly! I will have one to use as an example of a stripped Lincoln now. So what I am getting from you and others here is that the surface would probably be pretty smooth if it were the real deal? Thanks again everyone!

[mikediamond]

Yes, the surface of a genuine unplated cent is smooth. Of course, if the surface has oxidized, it will be dull, but it still won't have the tiny bumps present on chemically stripped cents.

[makecents]

Yes, the surface of a genuine unplated cent is smooth. Of course, if the surface has oxidized, it will be dull, but it still won't have the tiny bumps present on chemically stripped cents.

Thank you sir for all your help!

[jfines69]

Wow that was quick... Thank you Mike... We appreciate your help!!!