Definition

• Fountain Coin.  A coin removed from fountain water. For years no problems existed with coins thrown into a fountain (where retrieved coins usually benefitted some charity). However, with the introduction of zinc-coated steel cents (1943) in the United States, or more recently, the copper coated zinc cents (1982-), these corrode. Chlorinated water effects these coins within 48 hours. The corrosion often prohibits their return to circulation (and nonacceptance by banks because corroded coins are often rejected in their coin counting machines). Such coins are redeemed by the U.S. Mint (but only at 90% face value). Copper-nickel clad or other typical coin compositions are unaffected. Using nonchlorinated water (or removing the chlorine) would sometimes cost more than the value of the coins retrieved.  Compare seawater surface.

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

Relationships