Exact Opposite

The things that constitute a "Perfect Coin" for the average coin collector are the exact opposites of what I'm looking for in an artist's coin. Accident and oxides are my allies in my quest for Rainbows and Other Wonders. If the coins were mint condition, there'd be an almost total absence of oxidation and therefor of serendipitous graphic effects. If the coins were almost pure gold -- well, pure gold doesn't oxidize. Silver does, but it turns straight black. Copper and Zinc do wonderful iridescent things under the influence of oxygen, so for me, the ideal hunting ground is always the Lincoln Memorial in-circulation coins.

I have been known to hunt in bags of wheaties as well, and I'll tell you all about that in my next blog ...