Catalog Number: 7128

Serial Number:  82490337

Grade: Mint State 62

VAM:  61 - Doubled 18, O Set Left

VSS Number: 012064

Comments:  This coin became our seventh in the VAM 61 group and adds some interest to the study of this VAM.  The color actually enhances the ability to locate and identify some of the features.  At the mouth and neck, the clash is much better defined.  We also find the die pitting to be easier to pick out.

With the exception of two pretty hard hits on the cheek, the coin is in good shape.  But it would be difficult to argue for a higher grade.  To many the color is more discolor and it probably does not get any eye appeal or style points either.  But we have included it in our toned group because it seems to us to illustrate some nice iridescence we want to discuss in more detail.

New Orleans is well known for heat, humidity, and hurricanes.  This coin might have seen all three, but for sure it saw a lot of moisture.  The reverse of the coin has the spotted blotchiness we associate with moisture damage over an extended period.  We can visualize it languishing in one of the many New Orleans Mint vaults for years if not decades.

What is here to be learned about toning is the iridescence and colors.  Bag toning often produces nice reflectivity and the colors here are the light peach/orange to powder blue, to bright yellow.

In our mind this is what a very early bag toned coin should look like.  Later the coin may progress to deeper and more vibrant colors, but this is a stage it must travel through first.