| J-172 & J-173 (1855 Two-Leaf LFE) This pattern has two leaves below the "E" in "STATES." The coins pictured above and below were subjected to SEM-EDX (non-invasive) testing. The above coin tested out at 100% copper, a J-172. The coin pictured below tested out at approximately 94% copper, 5% tin and 1% zinc (French Bronze), and is a J-173. Contrary to the common belief that copper and bronze pieces are easily differentiated visually, these two coins demonstrate that, while, under some circumstances, it may be possible to do so, visual differentiation is the exception more than the rule. I have tested coins I was certain were copper which ultimately were determined to be copper-nickel and have teested others which I was sure were bronze, only to learn they were copper-nickel. Remember that the label on a coin's slab is not definitive unless the coin has been tested for its true composition. |
J-172 & J-173
Rick Kay Rare Coins/Patterncoins.com
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