1863 dot penny query

[dmw2602]

Hi, 

I'm very new to this so any advice on improving posts for the future would be well received. I was wondering if anyone had seen anything similar to this 1863 penny before, I've seen a few recognised dot varieties but nothing like this. 

Any help/advice very much appreciated. 

[secret santa]

That's a new one to me. I'd like to add it to my rare penny site if that's OK.

If so, could you post the full obverse photo and let me know if you'd like to be acknowledged.

Thanks, Richard

[dmw2602]

Hi Richard, 

Is this photo OK? Appreciate the acknowledgement. What do you need from me?

Do you think there are two dots? Before D and between I and A?

Dean

[Martinminerva]

Looking at the whole obverse, especially all the bits and bobs in front of Victoria, I think these might be corrosion blobs on the flan itself, rather than transferred from the die which is perhaps why it has not been seen before ?

[dmw2602]

Thanks Martin, the one by the D does seem to be raised. Is there a way to tell?

Appreciate your thoughts

[secret santa]

2 hours ago, dmw2602 said:

What do you need from me?

Just a name so that I can put "picture courtesy of ...."

[dmw2602]

Thanks 

 

Dean White

[Martinminerva]

1 hour ago, dmw2602 said:

Thanks Martin, the one by the D does seem to be raised. Is there a way to tell?

Appreciate your thoughts

Corrosion spots often are raised as chemical changes break through and push up from below the surface. Essentially what is the question is: is the dot original metal (caused by a recess or incuse mark on the die and thus "proud" metal when transferred to the coin), or the product of corrosion. Given the number of other marks, I do fear it may be the latter. A gentle pick with a SOFT object (eg. dampened matchstick, or a fingernail) may remove or scratch through a corrosion deposit but won't affect solid metal.

Hope that may help...

[dmw2602]

Thanks again Martin, I tried that and it is now a slightly darker colon to the other colon dots so you may well be right, still seems to be slightly raised. 

 

Appreciate your note.

[secret santa]

I've added it to my site so please let me know if the "dots" are easily removed.

[dmw2602]

Hi, not easily removed but they are darker now. 

[dmw2602]

On 4/28/2025 at 10:50 PM, secret santa said:

I've added it to my site so please let me know if the "dots" are easily removed.

I've had a chance to take another look under a microscope today and I think Martin is right, they aren't as prominent as the colon dots now so I think they may be corrosion.