Lincolns with "silvery" toning?

TommyType

What's the opinion on Lincoln cents with silvery toning? Is it considered detrimental?

It's hard to pick up in a picture, but I think you can see some of it in the pic below. The silver is predominantly in the center of both obverse and reverse. It shows in the pic under Abe's chin, and by the C in cents. Rotating under light brings it out better.

Any Idea the cause? This coin is certified "red". Does this color tend to affect that designation?




This is my one "top pop" mentioned a few days ago. Old holder, but I have my doubts that it would re-certify at 67red. Another clue is that it cost me $35 in a "close-out" bin about 2 years ago.

Shamika

<< <i>Old holder, but I have my doubts that it would re-certify at 67red >>


I don't know. The coin looks fairly typical of MS67 NGC Lincolns.

If the coin were to recertify as red, I think it would go MS67 again. Recall, however, that NGC does not have a grade guarantee on copper coins in these older holders.

haletj

The silver toning does not affect the red color status. In fact I've actually heard some say the silvery toning is in fact highly desirable, although that might have been a dealer who had one to sell. Personally I like a nice even red, orange, or golden color. That looks like a nice coin. I think it's an ms67 for ngc all day long, but might not be quite ms67 for pcgs.

Russ

This one has a pretty strong patch of silver toning.



Russ, NCNE

coinbuf

To answer your question, yes that color is commonly seen on Lincolns. Over time it will continue to turn to brown and make this a RB coin. As to if it would grade if cracked out it should get a 67 again from NGC but I suspect that PCGS would go MS66 due to the hit on the rev and the chatter on the jaw. Very pretty coin but not at all uncommon in this grade for that date.

Chris

Blade

Chris,
That lincoln has been in that holder for likely 10 years given the age of it. Why would it start to go brown if it has been stable all this time?

mgoodm3