Flaw or PMD?

[Fulvio]

Seeing as how we have some new members, I figured it might be nice to cover a couple of things we all come across from time to time.

So, you spot a coin with a big dent in it like this.. is it a flaw (errors are die related, remember? problems with individual coins are flaws), or is it PMD?

This 2014 5¢ had me stumped for a while. Its pretty badly infected with verdigris, so it wasn't a high priority, but every so often I'd look at it and wonder. Finally I got it under the microscope and had a good look:



If this was PMD, as in impact damage or a deliberate attack with something blunt or sharp, there would be evidence in the form of displaced metal from an impact, or bright shiny metal from a gouge.

This shows neither.

There's also a sharp lip to the crater, and there are nicks and scratches around and in it. Plus, there is the classic rough bottom which strikethoughs tend to have, and finally, it extends ever-so-slightly into the field.

Therefore, I'm calling this one a strikethrough flaw. As distinct from the impact on the nose (sadly out of focus, sorry) which shows a clear raised lip of displaced metal, and a smooth bottom.

Shame the coin is ruined though. It would have been a very nice addition to my collection of such things.
This, on the other hand, is definitely PMD. In fact, I was going to post it to the Roadkill thread, but this will do instead.



Some smartie has given this poor coin a couple of almighty whacks, probably with a hammer and punch. The raised dents on the other side are somewhat spectacular, and you can see the deformation around the holes. There's no real edge to the craters at all, and you can see the way the 0 deformed around and into the impact.

Might keep it as a conversation piece, or send it off to be muted. :dodgy:

[trout]

I am not sure on the 5c but the impacts on the 50c could be the result of a couple of hits by .17HMR hollow point projectiles :ok:

[Fulvio]

.17HMR hollow point projectiles :ok:

Seriously???

[trout]

.17HMR hollow point projectiles :ok:

Seriously???

Why not?
I often use a 50c coin as a target to sight my .243 in with.
The size of the indentations look about right for a .17 and a 50c coin makes a great target for sighting in a rifle and when hit it you can hear the bullet strike :ok:
Could even be an air rifle that was used.
Like you said , A good conversation piece

[tonymac]

As a new member it's always good to have extra knowledge so keep it coming guys.  Is a rifle part of the kit along with the microscope ??

[Noelos237]

If we're talking about shooting coins here, I once shot a hole straight through a 20 cent with the .22 LR. I was using solid points, not hollow points. I'm not so sure if the dents in that 50 cent are the work of a .17HMR.

[JeffH]

Coin Shots

[tonymac]

I have a collection of PNG shillings all with a hole in the middle doubt if you would believe me if I said I did it

[JeffH]

Did you also do that to all those Fiji halfpennies and pennies?

[Fulvio]

Did you also do that to all those Fiji halfpennies and pennies?

Yeah, and that chinese lucky money.. with square bullets, no less! :angel:

BTW, that guy's a crap shot.... three goes to hit the half-dollar? :dodgy: