DAVE BOWERS ON WOODGRAIN COIN SURFACES

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V13 2010 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 13, Number 38, September 19, 2010, Article 9

Dick Johnson and others wrote as recently as last year in The E-Sylum about "woodgrain" surfaces on coins. This week Rick Bagg asked Dave Bowers about it, and Dave copied me on his response. Here it is. The image is a 1981-D Woodgrain Lincoln Cent used to illustrate Dick Johnson's comments in the March 8, 2009 issue. -Editor

Here's what I know about the �woodgrain� effect on bronze coins. I will copy John Dannreuther, Jeff Garrett, Ken Bressett, Dennis Tucker and Dave Lange in case they have something to add. I will also send to Wayne Homren in case this is suitable for The E-Sylum, to invite other comments.

Woodgrain is a visual effect that shows parallel streaking of toning, lighter alternating with darker areas. It seems to be most evident on Indian cents of the 1864 to 1870s era and also on some cents circa 1909-1914, but is also elsewhere, including on two-cent pieces.

Bronze is an alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. I suggest that tiny particles of tin or zinc, unmixed or partially mixes, survived in the bronze ingots used for cents. These ingots were rolled out into long, thin strips by a rolling machine that on each pass had the steel rollers ever more closely together. This had the effect of distending these tiny bits of tin/zinc. From these strips, circular planchets were cut.

In time, as the bronze coins toned to brown, these tiny inclusions toned a slightly lighter hue producing the �woodgrain� effect. This is of very pleasing appearance. If I had a choice I would rather have a coin RB or BN with a woodgrain effect than one that is solid brown. The effect shows up best on RB [Red/Brown] coins.

I have never given much thought to the �woodgrain' effect, but have always thought that it was very attractive and in the premium category. Dave has correctly identified it and how it occurs. The odd alloy probably has something to do with a not too careful mixture of basic metals and recycled coins that went into the melting pot.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: MORE ON WOODGRAIN COIN SURFACES (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n11a07.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor