I’m rather new to early coppers. Can’t say I’ve viewed enough to say what ANACS would give it. From my experience with ancients though, the coloring is non-reactive, non-corrosive. Although the coin clearly must have been stored or left somewhere that cause this only on the reverse, then possibly circulated more to remove from the details.

I’m actually pleased with the coloring as it’s limited to just the fields, and does a good job to highlight the details and bring them out better. This does bring up the thought it’s an environmental interaction, although not qualified as damaged?.. I think overall it improves the enjoyment coin though.

Dark chocolate heavily cleaned ancient coppers are not preferred over less cleaned ones. (Usually called “sand patina”) easily appreciated in hand verses bright lights, although ancients and American coins are two very different things.

Ela126 I agree with you that the coloring adds to the look of the reverse by highlighting the detail. I only mention ANACS because they don't hesitate to call out every thing. If you have send coins into them keep this in mind. And, honestly, as a buyer, I like ANACS coins because they can be tough. Thanks for sharing the coin, by the way.

Beautiful coin…is the new strategy less pieces, higher quality/rarity?