If evenly colored Lincoln Cents are what I like, should I avoid coins who's auction description uses

haletj

Say if it says something like "Well struck, with coppery-orange patina. Lustrous surfaces...". Could this coin be evenly colored, or at least evenly toned?

ColonialCoinUnion

I wouldn't attempt to draw too many hard and fast conclusions from auction lot descriptions -

Different catalogers may use the same word(s) in different ways, and some of the so-described coins may be to your liking while others won't.

Best bet is, of course, to see them in person and decide for yourself if they are 'evenly colored' or not.

Coppernicus

Coppernicus

haletj - When I see "patina" in a Lincoln description, I think "haze!" A patina on a silver coin can be a mild hue which can be attractive. Copper doesn't patina well, IMHO!! I have a nice 1910-S MS64RB Lincoln with subtle purple hues, but I'd never describe it as a "patina."

Now, if I had the coin in-hand, I may think differently, but sight unseen, I'd pass.

Mike

morgannut2

Thet generally use the word to imply that a silver coin has not been dipped, ie: it's original patina. This is valued in silver --
but of course red or even color is important in copper.

dorkkarl

if the word "patina" is being correctly & honestly applied, then imo, that's always a bonus. patina is not particularly dependent on how the coin is colored, but an original patina is ALWAYS desirable.

K S