1891 Seated Liberty Dime Die Delamination

[Merlin8971]

This is an 1891 Seated Liberty dime with massive deteriation die chips all over the obverse and reverse. Maybe a set of delaminated dies? Interestingly, the date on the obverse and the ONE DIME on the reverse are amazingly sharp.

[diamond]

I don't like the look of it. It's either a crude counterfeit or a dime that's been altered/damaged outside the Mint.

[Jamez]

I don't like the look of it. It's either a crude counterfeit or a dime that's been altered/damaged outside the Mint.

Mike I was thinking the same thing when I just looked at it. I would suggest that it be weighed first.

[Merlin8971]

Thank you for your reply.
Well, I would like to know how someone could add extra metal to the fields and details in the patterns shown. It would be extremely difficult for one to add metal to the fields with a consistent height and some of the circular and "squiggly patterns (i.e. belly area). The coin actually weighs 2.07 grams which is 0.43 grams LESS than the normal 2.5 grams. On the obverse, the die chip on the right in the field next to Lady Liberty is raised. This raised metal is similar in height as lady liberty and quite consistent in it's overall height, top (at cap) to bottom (at "A" in America). The chip to the left of liberty at the arm is almost the same height at the right side chip. Liberty's head, shoulder and breast are slightly higher than these apparent die chips. The chip seen at Liberty's belly is blocking the original detail of the belly area , but is NOT as high as the breasts. None of these markings are "incuse" markings. Addition of metal is the only way these raised areas could exist, yet the weight of the coin is LESS than standard. How would you determine if it is a counterfeit coin? What details would you look for to know for sure if the coin is counterfeit? I am thinking the die set was not properly cared for and rusted and when used again to make coins, the pressures caused the rusted areas to delaminate under pressure.

[diamond]

Your photos are too poor to determine the type of problem that afflicts this coin. All I know is that its appearance is at odds with every genuine error I've encountered and does not correspond to any known error type, documented or theoretical.

[Merlin8971]

Here are more photos. Please note the irregular pitting on the die chips left and right of Liberty. But the Cap is relatively smooth in appearance. The detail of Liberty shows some roughness, but the word Liberty is reasonably sharp.

[diamond]

It looks like acid damage, perhaps supplemented by some adhering contaminants. It's no error.

[Merlin8971]

Acid damage? How so? These are RAISED areas, not indented areas. Adhering contaminants? It IS metal. At 60 power, porosity is quite negligible on the unaffected obverse fields. However the reverse shows slightly more porosity and the denticles are not crisp, although some other details are sharper. Maybe using the word "pitting" is improper, "orange peel" surface is more accurate.

[diamond]

I can make no further progress from photos alone. You can send it to me, if you wish, for examination.

[jay4202472000]

The rim seems to be effected by the same porous surface. Couple in the dramatic loss in weight and I agree with Mike. Some kind of acid/corrosion damage. If something was stuck to the surface that was resistant to the acid/corrosive substance, wouldn't the fields and devices surrounding the adherent be eaten away, while the part being protected wouldn't?

[Merlin8971]

That sounds great Mike. Where do I get info on proceedure? Thank You

[Merlin8971]

Actually the weight loss is because a thin planchet. About 20% thinner.

[diamond]

You can contact me directly at mdia1@aol.com. You may not get an answer immediately as I'm undergoing surgery for a herniated lumbar disc tomorrow.

[koinpro]

Looks like acid damage to me. Coin "might" have had glue on it too before the acid damage.