Toning questions...

edsiajb

I have several coins that have toned since I bought them some years ago. All are in cardboard/mylar 2x2's. I know that the mylar is inert so what causes the toning? Could it have been something the coin was exposed to before being placed in the 2x2 holder?

nankraut

Since cardboard mylar holders are not airtight, toning can occur from chemicals in the air, especially in warm, humid environment.

edsiajb

One of the coins in question (which is not valuable but now has stunning toning) was stored in a baby wipe box (the type that looks like a giant Lego)...could that be the cause? If so, I am going to put more coins in there!

FC57Coins

It all depends on the type of coin it is - and the type of environment you had the coin in - were your coins silver? If so, what type? How they turned might also have to do with how they were made. Also, depending on the color they turned they may or may not be market acceptable.

Shamika

<< <i>I have several coins that have toned since I bought them some years ago. >>



Be careful! Assuming the coins are toning due to the environment (as opposed to being dipped prior to purchase) the coins will continue to tone and tone and tone some more until they no longer look nice.

The toning you see is due to some sort of chemical reaction occuring to the coin's surface. Leaving them in this environment will allow the reaction to continue indefinitely.

nwcs

Stapled or glued shut? The glue has been known to cause toning.

edsiajb

Stapled. I am going to see if I can find time tonight to make some scans...I'll post them in this thread. The best toned coin in question is a gold colored 1987 Canadian Dollar. Like I said before, the coin is not valuable at all but I really like the toning.

Iwog

Toning is the result of silver sulfide in the air, not chemicals in the holders in most cases. Silver sulfide comes from tapwater, food, natural gas, and other sources and unless your mylar was airtight, would not protect the coins.