Mint error? 1 1

[nycgreg]

I received some reverse proof coins of the morgan dollar and one coin had a blue mark on it between the T and A in states. Maybe it is on the inside of the plastic or on the coin itself (didn't want to open the plastic case). What are your opinions on this coin? I am about to send the rest in for grading next week.

[Lem E]

Most likely some type of debris trapped inside the capsule. The US mint is notorious for bad quality control. My Peace dollar came with some black fibers inside the capsule. 

[Sandon]

   Welcome to the NGC chat board.

   Based on your photo, this appears to be a thread or other foreign matter that is lying on the coin or inside of the capsule and not something that was struck into the coin, so it is not a "mint error" in the sense that collectors use that term.  As this foreign matter could cause the coin to "tone" unattractively over time, if you can open the capsule without breaking it and remove the foreign matter without harming the coin, I would do so.  Be careful not to touch the coin with your bare hands or scratch (hairline) the coin when removing the material if it is on the coin. A light "flick" with a clean cotton swab or tissue should work. Reclose the capsule after removing the foreign matter.

   The other option would be to return the coin within the seven-day return period, but I think this item is "sold out"; and if so, the mint would likely refund your purchase price but not replace the coin.

   

[dprince1138]

Pretty! The fact that it is a blue mark would seem to indicate that it is not a mint error.  Someone should not have worn that blue knit sweater.

[nycgreg]

Yea, that is what I was afraid of. I will probably return it.

[Mike Meenderink]

Here's an idea ..open the capsule gently and with a can of air (computer duster etc) or other inert gas (do not use your breath or you will leave saliva on it and bacteria)  gently blow the debris out. Then close it. Fixed.

Edited November 25, 2023 by Mike Meenderink

[powermad5000]

On 11/24/2023 at 11:47 AM, nycgreg said:

I am about to send the rest in for grading next week.

If you are also sending this coin in for grading then I wouldn't worry about the object inside the capsule as you would be opening the capsule anyway and would not put the foreign object into the submission flip. But, it you are not sending this coin, I agree to open the capsule and remove the object with compressed air as was stated above. Since would be opening the capsule to do this, I would leave it open for about an hour to let any possible moisture involved in the process to evaporate before resealing the capsule and try to do it in a low humidity environment when you do it.

[nycgreg]

I thank everyone for their advice, I never got around to sending it in. I will send it in for grading along with the others. Somehow the mint sent me 10 to the same address even though the limit is 5.