Error Plating | 1989 plating error or removed post mint?

[makecents]

Just found this a little bit ago and can't tell if it's and error or someone removed it. Found this info but still not sure. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Jon. http://www.error-ref.com/un-plated_coins/

[Petespockets55]

They certainly grab your attention.
I can't really tell myself either. But when these are found it is usually from the copper being removed chemically (acid?).

[Roller]

Even if it was an un-plated (and I don't think it is) and if it got this circulated, I don't think you could tell from a photograph. I'm in a quandary about this possibility every time I find one that is questionable (and I have found may) and in the case of my finds concluded that they are not mint error. My understanding is that the finish on a mint not plated should be smooth, just like an original '43. I am, by no means, knowledgeable about this and would like to hear others thoughts about the theory.

[mikediamond]

One would need to examine it under a microscope to determine its authenticity. The faint streaks and lack of obvious bumps or pits supports its authenticity.

[makecents]

They certainly grab your attention.
I can't really tell myself either. But when these are found it is usually from the copper being removed chemically (acid?).

Thanks Cliff!! I'm not sure how to tell for sure. Maybe someone will chime in.

[makecents]

One would need to examine it under a microscope to determine its authenticity. The faint streaks and lack of obvious bumps or pits supports its authenticity.

Can I send in to you Mike or should I send to a TPG?

[makecents]

Even if it was an un-plated (and I don't think it is) and if it got this circulated, I don't think you could tell from a photograph. I'm in a quandary about this possibility every time I find one that is questionable (and I have found may) and in the case of my finds concluded that they are not mint error. My understanding is that the finish on a mint not plated should be smooth, just like an original '43. I am, by no means, knowledgeable about this and would like to hear others thoughts about the theory.

Roller, do you know how I can test it to see if the plating is there without messing it up?

[Petespockets55]

One would need to examine it under a microscope to determine its authenticity. The faint streaks and lack of obvious bumps or pits supports its authenticity.

I did notice the streaks and was wondering if there should be a tell tale sign like uneven pitting if it had been removed chemically. Very interesting and helpful to know.
Thanks Mike.

[jfines69]

Mike is the pro so I will go with his in sight!!!

[Roller]

Roller, do you know how I can test it to see if the plating is there without messing it up?

Not sure what you mean about the plating being there. I'm assuming you think that the copper plating may be plated over with zinc? Weight might give a hint if that were the case but I think the copper was removed, chemically, from this coin to expose the zinc core. Again, in that case, there aught to be a slight reduction in weight.

[GrumpyEd]

Plating weight is within the normal tol so weight probably is not a guarantee.
Plus, removed plating weight is the same as never been there weight.

My gut feeling is 90%, you could send it for grading and be disappointment but you never know.

[makecents]

Not sure what you mean about the plating being there. I'm assuming you think that the copper plating may be plated over with zinc? Weight might give a hint if that were the case but I think the copper was removed, chemically, from this coin to expose the zinc core. Again, in that case, there aught to be a slight reduction in weight.

Sorry, I was under the assumption you thought the copper was still there. I figured the weight would be negligible regardless but here are some pics that may be a little better. The weight is good. I am starting to wonder if it was taken off though. There are some odd looking areas at 4 o'clock on the obverse and reverse at the rim and also at LIBERTY.

[makecents]

Plating weight is within the normal tol so weight probably is not a guarantee.
Plus, removed plating weight is the same as never been there weight.

My gut feeling is 90%, you could send it for grading and be disappointment but you never know.

I fear you are correct on my disappointment Ed.

[jfines69]

In your follow up pics there appears to be some dark areas that could be copper under neath... The obv has a dark green tint on my screen... There are also areas on the rev... The NW corners of the memorial appear to have a copper look to them... Other than sending the coin in for confirmation you could try cleaning a small section on the coins edge... You could try some acetone on a qtip... I have had coins that looked like this and used some wrights copper cream on the edge and the copper showed thru after wards... If it is a non plated coin tho you could make it of less value... One of those darned if you do - darned if you don't scenarios!!!

[makecents]

In your follow up pics there appears to be some dark areas that could be copper under neath... The obv has a dark green tint on my screen... There are also areas on the rev... The NW corners of the memorial appear to have a copper look to them... Other than sending the coin in for confirmation you could try cleaning a small section on the coins edge... You could try some acetone on a qtip... I have had coins that looked like this and used some wrights copper cream on the edge and the copper showed thru after wards... If it is a non plated coin tho you could make it of less value... One of those darned if you do - darned if you don't scenarios!!!

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.