White Paper Test

[messydesk]

@CascadeChris mentinoed the "white paper" test for uncirculated vs. AU coins, and I said I'd post some pictures. This test is one way of spotting a light break in the luster that might get a coin called AU58 rather than MS-something. Hold a coin on edge on a white piece of paper with some overhead light and look down at the coin so you see the reflection of the paper. On a coin with unbroken luster, you'll just see a plain, white reflection.

whitepaper-bu.jpg (151.82 KiB) Viewed 2205 times

If you see a gray spot, which typically shows up on the tip of the bust first, then that is a sign of a luster break. AU coins that are not toned and not cleaned will almost always show this, and this is almost always a sign of an AU coin. It could also be a little dirt, but that's what a closer look will determine.

whitepaper-au.jpg (161.66 KiB) Viewed 2205 times

[CascadeChris]

Nice. Thanks for posting pics JB. Straight out of the ANA SUMMER SEMINAR Morgan class

[Pittstate03]

Thank you for the visual!

[Tekkie1]

Excellent information!!
Thank you both.

[CascadeChris]

Everyone I show this to think I'm a freaking magician... and not just newbies. I'm talking experienced dealers too. Heck, even a friend that was a PC grader at the beginning in the 80s was wowed by it..

[messydesk]

I can't for the life of me remember where I picked this up or figured it out, although it was on Walking Liberty halves. An AU58 will have a gray, vertical stripe from head to toe. Sticks out like a sore, but well-struck, thumb.

[Kissov]

Many thanks!

[ChiefRet.]

Thanks John; Great information for the tool box.
Does this work on soft struck coins also?

[messydesk]

Thanks John; Great information for the tool box.
Does this work on soft struck coins also?

Yes.

[HawkeEye]

Nice tip, have fun in Florida

[Raybob15239]

This is very helpful! I can't wait to go home and try this!

Thank you, John!

[shortnock]

Great information, thanks.

[iwillbenice]

I do not see it and sorry.I LOVE the topic but i do not agree.

[playtime1]

Neat trick. I just tried it on my AU coin, and as per Professor Baumgart's theory, a gray shadow appears near the tip of the
bust point at the neck. I like it !! Actually, I suppose I should have hoped that it didn't show, then it would have been MS.

[alefzero]

One would think this might become a bit difficult with coins exhibiting even a mild amount of toning. Have not tested that, but I guess a dead spot in the lustre is still just that and might be discernable.

[UncleGildy]

Thanks!
Explains my '78 VAM221-2 coming back AU from that bulk submission. I swore it was MS something before sending it in. The test would have kept me from getting my hopes up. Next time...