Why do proof Jeffersons tone the way they do?

MadMarty

I have them, those real dark toned proof Jefferson's. Why do they tone that way? Is it the composition of the coin? Whe way it was stored? How come some proof sets are not toned and some are? How come some are blue others are gold or other colors? I just want to try and understand!!!

Oh Lucy BTW, putting a coin in a red potato does not mean it will tone red!!!

baccaruda

my guess would be the composition of the proof set plastic between 1960-1964. those colors rarely show in any other years.

MadMarty

All the flat packs tone, I have seen them from 56-64.

keets

a couple of members have alluded to the different chemicals used to wash the planchets, either by the manufacturer or the mint. as yet i have been unable to get any reference or source of information to document this alledged fact. both bryan of TBT and anaconda have said the same thing, but neither has returned a PM with questions. maybe they are holding onto some secret, maybe they will answer a PM from you.

what i observe in the way of toning is that gold seems the predominant color for nickel, either the 5-cent variety or the post 1964 clads. i have several MS Ike's toned blue-gold-pink and Jefferson's the same. also, some early proof Jefferson's toned blue/gold and varying rainbow tones so the notion of some type of chemical being involved seems logical.

al h.

Russ

Bill offered an explanation for this a while back, but I'll be damned if I can find it right now. Something about the way the planchets were washed.

Russ, NCNE

coinrookie

I would say that it is many factors combined. The composition of the nickel. Was the envelope completely sealed. The cello may have been sealed tight or breaks in it not viewable to the naked eye. Finally, one factor that I think could have a somewhat larger part in the toning would be the temperature and humidity levels in which the coins were stored.