Skip to main content

‘Rocket’ removes residue from blanks

Coinage blanks go through several processes that include lubricants. How are these oils, etc., removed so the coins don’t turn out to be greasy to the touch?

Coin blanks are put through what has been nicknamed “rocket” where hot air is blasted to remove oils and water residue. Not all blanks are washed.

 

How does the current U.S. government shutdown affect the U.S. Mint?

The Internal Revenue Service is the only institution under the authority of the U.S. Treasury Department that was impacted by the late 2018 partial government shutdown brought about by a lack of funding approval by Congress and the President.

 

What does someone mean when they say the grade of a coin can be impacted by type-specific factors?

Type in this case means what design is being used. Some design types strike up better than others. The design elements on a coin, the metal composition (and therefore the hardness of the blank), the wear of a die, and the efficiency of the coining presses available at a specific mint may each impact the appearance.

 

Can you give me examples of type-specific factors that impact the grade of a coin?

A Full Head Standing Liberty quarter, a Full Bands Mercury dime, and a Full Bell Lines Franklin half dollar are examples of where the design, the quality and wear on a die, and even the pressure at which the coin images were impressed become factors in the grade of a coin at the time the coin is produced. Should the coin have an unusually high relief, such as the date area on 1916 to 1924 Standing Liberty quarters, this will impact the grade of coins that have circulated.

 

How thick is the electroplated metal that is applied to the surface of some coins?

Electroplating is applied in single or in multiple layers depending on the composition of the host blank, the metal to be applied using this technique, and the efficiency of the cleaning process to which the blanks were subjected prior to the plating process.

 

What steps are involved in the electroplating process?

The coinage blanks are cleaned with specific acids depending on the metals involved being applied to the surface. This ensures better adhesion of the metal to be plated. The metal particles contained in the solution had been adhering to the cathode. The blanks become the replacement for that cathode when an electrical current is passed through this solution.

 

E-mail inquiries only. Do not send letters in the mail. Send to Giedroyc@Bright.net. Because of space limitations, we are unable to publish all questions.

 

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News. >> Subscribe today.

 

SCWC 1801-1900
If you like what you’ve read here, we invite you to visit our online bookstore to learn more about Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900.
 
Learn more >>>

 

 

NumismaticNews.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

The post ‘Rocket’ removes residue from blanks appeared first on Numismatic News.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stack’s Bowers’ June 2020 Auction Nets Over $5 Million

The Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2020 Auction continued the trend of high prices realized recently demonstrated in their March Santa Ana and May Hong Kong auctions. Over $5 million was realized in the June sale across United States coins, tokens, and medals, achieving 114 percent of the pre-sale estimate on sold lots. (All prices listed include the buyer’s fee.) Strong demand for high-end gold coinage reflected continued growth in this collecting area, while Numismatic America also saw incredible strength, earning over 50 percent above pre-sale estimates in Internet-Only Session Three. With such strong results in their June sale, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is anticipating considerable interest in their upcoming August 2020 Auction, which will be posted online for viewing and bidding in early July. This Mint State 1824/4 O-110 Capped Bust half dollar featuring Washington and Lafayette countermarks realized $26,400. (All images courtesy Stack’s Bowers) Session One opened with Numism...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes

The origin of the universe can be explained by modern astronomers and astrophysicists, while archaeologists and historians try to clarify the origin of human societies. A mythology is a collection of stories about a specific culture or religion. They often feature supernatural characters. Cultures around the world are filled with such ales about relationships between gods and humans. In the distant past, however, before any sciences existed, the beginnings of the world and of society were explained by MYTHOLOGY. Mythology is a common topic of expression through artwork. Not just dance; painting, sculpting, the mythology is a way of expression during many facets of day to day life. Even on Indian coins, stamps, and banknotes Mythology is featured with distinct concepts. The blog covers the topic: Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes. As the British colonial reign strengthened in India over the years, their paper currency became the new normal. More denominations came in, layou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Letters to the Editor (September 18, 2018)

Minting a new 3-cent piece wasteful if not silly Mint a three-cents coin? In the Aug. 28 issue of Numismatic News , a Viewpoint article by Wayne Pearson advocated the issuance of a new three-cent denomination coin to replace the cent. I think this idea is silly since nothing can be bought for three cents. Minting such a denomination would be wasteful. The least expensive item I know of is a paper bag, which one can buy for 10 cents in California when buying groceries. Making any coin of a smaller denomination makes no sense. I advocate a complete reworking of all of our coin denominations as follows: A dime, as the smallest; a quarter; a half dollar; and a dollar and a five dollar, all in ascending order of size. Eliminate the $1 bill and the $5 bill and begin the printing of $500 bills. Thomas Miller Santa Rosa, Calif.   Base metal dollar coin designs that have circulated alongside the paper dollar include Eisenhower (top left), Susan B. Anthony (center right), and Sacaga...
Post a Comment
Read more