A few questions about re-colored Large Cents.

keets

What is the process and the products used to re-color Large Cents?? Is the re-coloring reversible?? Do the coins re-tone naturally?? What is an approximate time for that re-toning to take place?? Do they again look natural or are they forever damaged??

Thanks in advance.

Al H.

BillJones

I can answer only one part of your question. If you store a cleaned large cent or half cent in a cheap coin envelope, which is not sulfur free, in a dry environment you can end up with some credible looking results in three to six years. I have done this during my time as a collector, and really don't see anything unethical about it. It duplicates the process that placed the color on the piece in the first place. You do need to take a look at the piece every few months to monitor the situation. This is not of much use for dealers who want to turn a piece over ASAP.

This does not work of all coins. If the piece was cleaned in a such a way that that the surfaces were wrecked, the coin is ruined. If the coin got hairlines from the cleaning, there nothing you can do about that short of taking down a grade by carrying it as a pocket piece.

As for the speedy ways to re-color a copper coin, I've never used them or tried to use them. Most EAC guys can spot a re-colored coin quite easily. Many of those same guys don't have a huge objection to a piece that has been skillfully re-colored because it comes with the early copper game. The copper used in these coins is very reactive to the environment, and many piece have needed help and restoration over the years.

ambro51

Sonorandesertrat

Ambro's images pretty much sum up what is most commonly used. Also look up old threads on Deller's Darkener or Sutton's Paste.
These put a sulfide layer on copper, and it won't rinse off. Most recolored coppers are easy to spot. The good ones are perfectly acceptable
(minor deduction). I have also seen pieces that have been recolored, probably using a Q-tip, in spots to hide evidence of removed corrosion or tooling.

joecopper

A game I did not engage but tried to learn to recognize but am sure have been fooled from time-to time.