Results of "album toning" experiment started 4 years ago

rhedden

Some threads from last month on toned coins conjured up a few thoughts about so-called "album toning." I have long felt that "dipped" coins are more likely to develop color around the rim when placed in an album.

Here is some "experimental evidence" to support my claim. In 2000, I dipped a handful of modern BU Lincoln cents in Tarn-X. They are all 1980's and 1990's dated Lincolns. After a good rinse with cold water, I placed them in a Whitman album (the kind with sliding plastic covers) along with a bunch of non-dipped "control experiment" coins. Guess what? All the dipped coins (about 10 pieces) are developing rainbow colors around the rims! Yes, that's right- 1980's and 1990's Lincoln pennies with target album toning after only about 4 years (see first pic). The colors are more vivid than what I was able to show with my camera, but blue, russet, and gold are the norm. The "control" pennies (about 20 pieces) are not toning at all (see second pic).

I just thought you would all find this interesting, given the huge premiums some people shell out for so-called "album toning."

Gonfunko

Very interesting results. Do you have any idea why dipping causes coins to tone like that more rapidly?

rhedden

1) Exposed, clean metal surface- great for chemical reaction.
2) Possible residue from dip = catalyst for reaction with sulfur & oxygen.

magikbilly

<< <i>1) Exposed, clean metal surface- great for chemical reaction.
2) Possible residue from dip = catalyst for reaction with sulfur & oxygen. >>



And, copper is the most reactive of the metals used in coins. Freshly dipped/stripped copper will begin oxidation almopst immediately (on a small scale). The AT coin does look dipped to me in comparison. I don't know why anyone would find these results suprising.


Billy

oreville

rhedden: Could you try another little quickie test?

Take a little mineral oil and dap some on a cotton swab and dab just a small drop on one of the coin somewhere near the rim to see if it removes the toning. Leave most of the circle of toning intact just to compare the look.

You can use a soft tissue paper to dab dry the coin.

For a control you can use acetone or even clean water in a different area of the rim toning, also with a swab.

Just curious to see what you then have? I suspect the mineral oil may bring the coin back to its original state on the lighter toned ones.

rhedden

I don't have any mineral oil on hand, but it is possible that with a little rub and some solvent, the very light toning could disappear. However, I think I'd like to leave them untouched and sitting in the album for another 10 years + and just see what develops with time.

Hadleydog

Interesting, and very informative thread.

Coin Finder

Also try it will nickles and dollars and see what happens.

Tbig

rhedden

I've had a similar experience with a really nice Unc. 1931-S Buffalo. It had some awful brown-black stains on it when I purchased it about 8 years ago, so I dipped it. It retoned in natural-looking russet, blue, and yellow in its 2x2 holder. I am tempted to submit it to PCGS because it looks like many toned Buffalos that I have seen holdered in the past.

SilverDollarMan

Thx 4 the results. I like reading about ALL aspects of coin storage and toning.

Learning, Learning, Learning!

mgoodm3

Interesting.