Toning, toning, toning
oldshep
Posts: 3,240 ✭
I wanted to weigh in here with a comment on a subject that has been confusing me since I started lurking around this forum and that is toning, specifically artificial toning verses natural toning. I am new to coin collecting I'll admit; however I have worked in the metals industry for the last 30 years and know that all "toning" is artificial; it is, simply stated, the chemical reactions of air, temperature, humidity with the various elements that the metal has been exposed to.
The variable that seems to be the distinguishing factor in what some consider beautiful toning and horrible abomination is time.
How can a coin with color (tarnish,oxidation) be considered beautiful in one minute and ugly when an expert declares it AT.
Flame away.
Shep
The variable that seems to be the distinguishing factor in what some consider beautiful toning and horrible abomination is time.
How can a coin with color (tarnish,oxidation) be considered beautiful in one minute and ugly when an expert declares it AT.
Flame away.
Shep
0
Comments
<< <i>I have worked in the metals industry for the last 30 years and know that all "toning" is artificial >>
Karl is going to love you!
Russ, NCNE
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oldshep, you said:
<< <i>The variable that seems to be the distinguishing factor in what some consider beautiful toning and horrible abomination is time. How can a coin with color (tarnish,oxidation) be considered beautiful in one minute and ugly when an expert declares it AT. >>
Your points are well taken but...Time is one variable. Intent seems to be another. And, there are others, still, which have been discussed and argued over, around and around. It's not that a coin which is considered beautiful one minute is considered ugly the next, but rather a case of its being considered original/natural/market acceptable vs. unoriginal/unnatural/market unacceptable - ambiguous terms in themselves!
Frank, this one's for you:
It is who we are, why we are, and who some of us try to be.
It just is better!
AT is an assault on everything a toning lover cherishes!
Michael
<< <i>I have worked in the metals industry for the last 30 years and know that all "toning" is artificial; it is, simply stated, the chemical reactions of air, temperature, humidity with the various elements that the metal has been exposed to. >>
I would not deem this as "artificial" toning. It is these various elements that make the coin original ie: not AT. Purposeful manipulation of these elements however is artificial. Coins that have acquired toning through years of storage in bags, albums, holders, etc. have gained this toning without human intervention and therefore is "original" toning.
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
Here's a toned reverse Morgan. It's a 81-S in PCGS MS64. Looks natural to me.
I think everyone who loves toned coins would agree with your statment. I think also that it proves the love of toned coins has nothing to do with the coin's appearance and everything to do with some romantic image of a coin safely tucked away for ages, only to be uncovered like a long lost treasure.
Oldshep is right and there is no difference between AT and NT other than the intent of the person holding the coin. Furthermore I will again point out that new collectors and non-collectors LOVE brilliant coins, while it takes a period of indoctrination and elitist manipulation to love dirty gunked up coins. I wonder why this is?
Glenn
I'm blind!
Russ, NCNE
Elitist manipulation
I agree that it takes time to appreciate toning where the major merit is "originality"
On the other hand, I believe that most collectors, new or experienced, will appreciate the look of a "monster"
The examples posted above are quite good, because they fall in both categories.
Total Copper Nutcase - African, British Ships, Channel Islands!!!
'Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup'
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