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V15 2012 INDEX       E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 15, Number 51, December 9, 2012, Article 12

QUERY: CONTACT MARKS: WHERE AND HOW?

Dick Johnson submitted this question for E-Sylum readers. Thanks -Editor

A group of collectors was deep in conversation when the subject of Contact Marks came up. These were seasoned collectors who were well versed in the jargon of coin collecting and numismatics.

But they could not agree on the definition of Contact Marks. They all agreed it means a slight degree of wear They could not agree on where and how this occurs. One person took the position it was similar to Cabinet Friction where it occurs only when a numismatic item rests on a flat surface and moves around like in a cabinet tray, or loose from its holder, causing the very light abrasion on the high points.

Another person took the position it could come from, say, knocking against other coins, like in a bag of coins. Similar to Bag Marks. Or in pocket change, like from keys or other pocket objects. It could occur at any place on a coin, not just the high points.

Both gentlemen were firm in their beliefs. Could knowledgeable E-Sylum readers chime in? Which meaning is your understanding of Contact Marks?

I'm in the "Bag mark" camp. I always thought of contact marks as the evidence that another coin had come into contact with the surface of the coin, leaving behind a minute nick. What do E-Sylum readers think? -Editor


Wayne Homren, Editor

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