What Is a Whizzed Coin?
If a coin looks like it went through a belt sander, you’re probably looking at a whizzed coin.
Whizzing is an aggressive and outdated attempt to make worn coins look “better” by mechanically buffing the surface, usually with a wire brush, Dremel tool, or polishing wheel. The goal is to create a fake shine, but what’s left behind is unnatural, harsh, and instantly recognizable once you’ve seen a few.
At its worst, it makes a coin look like it’s made of chrome. The details get shredded, the luster is gone for good, and any value it had as a collectible takes a nosedive.
What Actually Happens When a Coin Is Whizzed?
Whizzing is more than just polishing. It’s a mechanical process that strips away the coin’s natural surface using aggressive friction, often leaving behind telltale marks and an unnatural shine. The goal is to make it shine like it’s in mint condition, but the result is anything but.
Instead of the flowing, cartwheel-style luster you see on an uncirculated coin, a whizzed coin has a harsh, unnatural gleam. The metal may appear smeared or flattened, and fine details like the texture of Liberty’s cheek or the lines in a wheat stalk can be visibly altered or destroyed. These changes are permanent, and no amount of natural toning or storage will undo the damage.
Why Coins Get Whizzed
Whizzing was never about restoration, it was about deception. Sellers and dealers used to run coins through high-speed brushes to create a flashy surface that looked like mint luster at first glance. Especially in the mid-20th century, it was a common trick to dress up otherwise low-value coins and squeeze a few extra dollars out of them.
The problem is that a whizzed coin can look impressive to someone who doesn’t know better. It might pass as mint state in a blurry photo or a quick glance at a coin shop. Even today, we’re still dealing with the fallout. These coins keep getting recirculated, passed from one collector to the next, sometimes with no mention of the damage at all.
What To Do If You Think a Coin Has Been Whizzed
If you come across a coin that looks like it’s been whizzed, the best move is to just leave it alone. Don’t try to “fix” it or clean it further. Once a coin is whizzed, the damage is permanent. There’s no restoring it to a collectible state.
Whizzed coins have little to no value to collectors, and grading companies will reject them outright. If it’s already in your collection, label it clearly and use it as a reference piece. If you’re thinking about buying it, skip it unless it’s incredibly cheap and you just want it for study. There are better coins out there.
Final Thoughts
Whizzed coins are one of the more aggressive forms of damage you’ll run into, and recognizing them is a big step forward in your numismatic education. They’re flashy at first glance but easy to spot once you’ve seen a few. If you made it through this post, you’re already ahead of most casual collectors.
Keep building that eye and learning what real surfaces look like. Every coin you study adds to your instincts, and those instincts are what will save you time and money down the line. Good work sticking with it.