Define Luster and Light Toning?

chiefbob

The damn thing posted before I was finished!

I saw this on RI Coins' web site:

Franklin Half "Light Mint Set Toning"

Somebody please explain how a dark ugly coin can be described as having "light" mint set toning? There are other descriptions calling the coins "lustrous" when they are dull, etc.

Not picking on RI Coins, but I couldn't believe this one.

Bob

jhar

Luster is the term used for how light reflects off of the flow lines created when a coin is minted. Light toning refers to a minimal or small amount of overal toning of a coin. I prefer morgans that have some "light toning" and superb luster!!

like this

chiefbob

That's a beauty and I would have no problem with the description. Compare that to the link I just added to my edited post. ???

CarlWohlforth

There may be some luster under that dark mint set toning on the R&I coin. I wouldn't call it light toning. If there is luster I can't imagine it is anywhere near as booming as that neat Morgan J'har posted.

nwcs

It's the photograph's fault most likely. It's probably not light toning but I bet there is a good amount of luster there not picked up by the bad photograph. Always remember, a photo is barely above sight unseen when it comes to all the qualities of a coin.

numonebuyer

Luster... I love talking about this topic.

Do you ever wonder why so many car owners wax their cars? People in general love to look at something with a shine (but not just any old shine, a deep shine). Luster is to silver coins that equivalent to a deep shine on a car. It reaches out and grabs you. You can see it acrossed the room. Luster will draw in the numismatist like light draws in a mosquito. Luster will hold the collector in a sort of stuper. I love it.

Toning... Here is a can of worms.

There is good toning, bad toning, light toning, dark toning, artificial toning (AT) and natural toning (NT). Typically a light toning (most would agree this is also good toning and either AT or NT) starts as a light golden color on silver coins. A dark toning (most would agree bad toning and either AT or NT) makes it hard to see the details of the coin and detracts from its appearance.

You will have to decide for yourself what you like and what you don't like. I for one love the picture of the coin provided by jhar. That is one awesome coin.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

FC57Coins

That's a sad looking coin - no way would I describe that as "light mint set toning"

XpipedreamR

<< <i>That's a sad looking coin - no way would I describe that as "light mint set toning" >>





Maybe he meant "light" in the sense that a mint set is very light, probably not much more than an oz. or so. That's all I can figure

chiefbob

I guess in my little coin world, toning doesn't equal black. I've seen beautifully toned coins and then I see coins listed as "awesome toned" that are, in reality, ugly dark things that hide the details.

J'Har's Morgan is absolutely stupendous. It's got beautiful toning, AND fantastic mirrors and luster. The problem I've seen over the last few years is that dealers now describe coins that most people wouldn't have touched years ago as now "toned".

There were other coins on the site that were listed as "lustrous". A real stretch, when the coin has a dull color and tone to it.

Perhaps Xpipedreamr is right. The mint set is very light, so now a whole new aspect of grading comes into play: the weight, in grams, of the coins(s)!

mhammerman

jhar...stunning lady there.

mhammerman

and that eagle is workin pretty hard too!

GAT

Here's a Morgan I own that has the highest luster I have ever seen. The photograph doesn't do it justice.

Baley

Define Luster and Light Toning

in a Frankie, maybe something like this one





(I don't think the linked one qualifies for "Light" or "Lusterous")

jhar

I'm wondering how this coin can be described as "Superb Rainbow Gem"??

Linkage

The color may be there but the picture does not show it!! If I describe a coing as having a rainbow, i need my pic to show a rainbow!!

jhar

BTW guys, thanks for the nice comments about my 1883CC. She's one of my favorites.

chiefbob

j'Har,

No wonder the eBayer only got 3 bids! If he just offered it according to the ANACS label grade, no harm, no foul. But to call it "incredible rainbow colored" is a frikkin joke. What rainbow is in his universerse? The spectrum consists of black, less black, dark brown, mottled, jet black, etc.

This is a poster coin for the point I was trying to make about descriptions. However, for a reputable, national coin dealer to give the same appelations to blackened coins is too much. I am also sick of the term "brilliant" given to dull, dark coins. Check the ads in coin world, and see their weaseling around standards by stating they grade "according to Photograde and their best interpretation of industry standards". What the hell does that mean???

Bob