So how does a 100 year old silver coin NOT go black?

renomedphys

Honest question.

And seriously, I know "dip" is an honest answer, but I'm really more interested in any thoughts leading to a more "natural" conclusion.

blu62vette

All has to do with storage...

AngryTurtle

There are probably hundreds of thousands of Morgan dollars in GSA plastic that are not black. Rather they are white. It all depends on the environment.

lordmarcovan

Storage, humidity, temperature, etc.

There a whole host of environmental variables.

Unknown

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magikbilly

All the above - and no surface cointaminants - anything from finger oils to ? And of course, no peach juice

Eric

OPA

<< <i>I am curious why you didn't say another color other than black. You definitely have made an aussumption with the non-color black. Others already stated it depends on its storage conditions thoughout the years, prior handling and its handling throughout the years ie what it came in contact with, its enviornment throughout the years and its composition of the metals and other imputities used to make the subject coin. I would think black would be only one of the possibilities. >>



All silver, give it enough time & left unchecked, eventually will turn black. Blame it in "Mother Nature."

CEOcoinshopcom

Oldest question.... same answer.
Nature vs Nurture

johnny9434

<< <i>Storage, humidity, temperature, etc.

There a whole host of environmental variables. >>

rhedden

The black tarnish often seen on old silverware and silver jewelry is a combination of otherwise colorful oxidation and sulfide formation, and grime from someone's skin. The coins that aren't black are missing the grime factor due to not being handled by so many filthy fingers.

RichR

I wonder if the GSA ever considered, even for a second, dipping the coins prior to packaging to "protect" them?

...or did effective dips not exist back in 1972?

COALPORTER

I saw coins that came out of a building cornerstone
that were nearly 100% frosty.

Luck. If a coin can make it 30 or 40 years without toning, it has probably built up enought
natural clearish patina to be tone-proof.

Unknown

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robec

It might have something to do with the alloy it is mixed with.

Blackhawk

Coins from original bags that were stored in the right conditions are generally white, but I'd imagine that a lot of the single type coins pulled from circulation or attained at a bank were stored in soft cloth or wooden coin cabinets - they should be toned. Nobody wants to talk about it, but a lot of white older coins have been dipped...I mean conserved.

magikbilly

The 1947 Roosevelt dime placed into the foundation of my house is total, dense black like coal in the dark. It is like the pixie dust or whatever term The Wise Old Bear created, only solid. It is apparently mint state but the toning is...subterranean.


Eric

stman

Has nice luster too that doesn't show real well in these old images........

notwilight

In aggressive environment, it will go black. but stored in a dry, clean place as most valuables are stored, the tarnish in thin revealing colors. --Jerry