A couple more questions for the Bear experts here.  Is there an easy way to know which coin different years took?  Like prior to a certain date all were copper, or whatever?  Or did they switch back and forth from year to year from copper to aluminum etc?

A second question is whether there is a way to oxidize the replacement copper coins to make them look more like an old patina finish?  

Thanks again!

Whip- Coins are only a pretty good indicator of year of manufacture but as a rule the coins run '59-copper/ '60 aluminum/ 61-62 painted pewter/ etc. I'l email you with a reference page as soon as I get free. Take care-  GY

That would be great Grant.
Thanks buddy!

Any ideas on how to oxidize the copper coins for an aged patina?  Or is that a bad idea?

I think a coat of mustard overnight should do it.

well you can look at that two ways Joe one yes the aged look looks great however the unaged polished look also looks great and when the bow was new the coins were polished your call on this one Joe keep us posted bd

Sometimes I would prefer the new look, but the one I am doing right now the fellow wants it to look old, so may go that way.  
Thanks for the mustard tip reddogge!

mustard or vineger have neather on hand drop the coin in some coffe for about 3 days bd

Heat the copper carefully with a torch-as much patina as you want in 3-4 minutes.

I have a 70's Bear Polar target bow that is missing the coin (probably why I only paid $60.00 for it)  I would like to buy a coin for it.  anyone know where I can get one?


Thanks

Jon

Contact Kurt Bellefeuille, who goes by Kurtbel5 here.  

Joe,
Liver of Sulfer will instantly patinize the coins, if you want some, i'll give you some, let me know.
don

Whip, I just bought a 1960 Kodiak Deluxe that has an original copper coin, Matt Dickerson said some 1960s had copper, probably early production run and others the aluminum coin. I also heard that from other sources also. Always seem to be exceptions to the rules on the Bear bows. Ron.

Heres an article on my site by the late-great Al Reader which has a picture of the coins used in various years with descriptions. As stated, its not a de facto way to determine bow age.
http://www.neoreality.com/archery/goodole.htm

that coin list of Al's has since been upgraded there was a coin missing from his listing 1963 1964 1965 had nickle silver rather then brass bd

Thanks BD, always appreciated. If you or anyone have an updated pic I can suppliment the article.

QuoteOriginally posted by Ron Roehrick:
Whip, I just bought a 1960 Kodiak Deluxe that has an original copper coin, Matt Dickerson said some 1960s had copper, probably early production run and others the aluminum coin. I also heard that from other sources also. Always seem to be exceptions to the rules on the Bear bows. Ron.

That's correct.  Early 60 bows had the copper coins.  Not sure exactly when they made the switch to aluminum.

Wade posted a pic of the coin list on another sight he visits ???? bd