Toned coins, yes or no?

joeykoins · May 1, 2020 7:58PM

Hi guy's, Today I see many threads on the subject on "Toned coins". Including one of my threads. Once and for all, let's set the record straight guy's! Do we here on the forum say "Yes" or "No"? Toned or not? Just vote Yes or No. Comments are cool as well. It will be an anonymous vote. Thanks guy's!

joeykoins · May 1, 2020 9:11PM

WoW! Maybe we figured something else out? Only Night Owls love Toned coins. Lol.

PerryHall · May 2, 2020 1:31AM

It depends on the toning. Light natural pastel toning is okay. Dark gray or black toning is not okay.

ricko · May 2, 2020 5:33AM

I prefer my coins without tarnish....that being said, old crusty coins from commerce are certainly acceptable. Cheers, RickO

johnny9434 · May 2, 2020 5:45AM

@PerryHall said:
It depends on the toning. Light natural pastel toning is okay. Dark gray or black toning is not okay.

This

joeykoins · May 2, 2020 6:09AM

Good Morning guy's! Now, what I'm about to say, dont take offensive. In my OP I stated,"If you condone toning, YES or NO". So, by saying that, the poll is to find out either Yes or No? So you guy's that posted," it depends", your final true answer would be a "Yes" vote. Believe me, I understand it, I get it. So, by saying it does depend you're also saying, Yes for toned coins. If you just said, No, I dont like toned coins, that would be a "No" vote. 😉

Oldhoopster · May 2, 2020 6:36AM

@joeykoins said:
Hi guy's, Today I see many threads on the subject on "Toned coins". Including one of my threads. Once and for all, let's set the record straight guy's! Do we here on the forum say "Yes" or "No"? Toned or not? Just vote Yes or No. Comments are cool as well. It will be an anonymous vote. Thanks guy's!

I don't think your poll is going to "Once and for all... set the record straight".

How do you define "toned". Is the Subtle mellowing of the surfaces on Red early lincolns and Indians considered toning? Are you talking about the rainbow monster toning that seems to occur in very specific environments and holders?

If you feel "it depends" = "likes toning" for the purposes of your poll, then it will be no surprise that it will be heavily skewed towards toning.

joeykoins · May 2, 2020 7:28AM

Any sort of a tone is, I think, toned. As oppose to blast white coins. Ex: she is pregnant. Not she is almost pregnant or hardly pregnant. Lol

CCGGG · May 2, 2020 7:34AM

I avoid them like they had a "virus". I like my coins to be as close to MS as possible. And toned coins are not minted nor MS (IMO), they are environmentally damage.

jabba · May 2, 2020 7:34AM

All these 100 year old blast white silver coins ya no dipping going on there

CCGGG · May 2, 2020 7:42AM

@jabba said:
All these 100 year old blast white silver coins ya no dipping going on there

I have a lot of silver dollars that have been in the family for at least 75 years. (stored in a box and not slabbed of course) and are still blast white and haven't been dipped since we have had them. Some are XF's and still have no hints of toning, even though they have been out of circulation for at least 75 years.

BillJones · May 2, 2020 8:10AM

There is no "yes" or "no" answer to this. Some toning can be very attractive. Some of it is natural and the hallmark of an original surface choice coin. And there is some toning that has degenerated into what is called "environmental damage" which would be a big "NO."

joeykoins · May 2, 2020 8:29AM

Lol Lol.Lol.

ctf_error_coins · May 2, 2020 8:33AM

johnny9434 · May 2, 2020 8:33AM

This is like liver. Either you lose e it or you don't ☠

winesteven · May 2, 2020 1:23PM

@jabba said:
All these 100 year old blast white silver coins ya no dipping going on there

Gentle dipping is a form of Professional Restoration if done properly. Are you suggesting that those collectors who avoid gently dipped coins should also avoid coins coming back from PCGS and NGC restoration services? For me, I’m one of the silent but LARGE MINORITY that prefers highly lustrous coins with no or very little toning, especially for my 20th century coins.

Now, how do you know if the dipping has been gentle or too harsh? For me, I use the peace of mind of having my coins with CAC stickers. The majority of my coins are lustrous white, 100% CAC!

Stay safe, and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Steve

ricko · May 2, 2020 1:53PM

@winesteven .... Well stated... and my philosophy as well....Cheers, RickO

DRUNNER · May 2, 2020 3:42PM

Several above have stated the situation with toned coins precisely. NOT as minted. I am going to vote "NO" on toning . . .and emphatic "NO". Imagine if environment (or an outside intentional influence) 'adjusted' the Mona Lisa . . . these antique car restorers . . . even those who might suppose that the scarlet letter on Dimmesdale's chest was NOT the result of guilt, but by slow administering (Roger) of strychnine . . . which can cause the same symptom. HERESY !!!!

Those atrocities being marketed now in the Pogue collection . . . the slow deterioration to those blue and gold hues on various 6-figure silver coins in any historical accumulation (I WILL NOT call Pittman, Eliasberg, or Bass "colectors" . . . . the absolute CARNAGE we see when lkeigwin insults the collecting literati with those Busties that have suffered so much. I don't even want to GO to the world of Mint Sets with that kaleidoscope of (dare I say the "R" word??) rainbow hues from that noxious sulfur in the paper, and the AUDACITY . . .the UNMITAGATED GALL . . . .someone (purporting to be a collector) would have to leave them undisturbed for 30-40 years in order to become destroyed with those intense blue hues on silver and that 'robin's egg' look.

Bass, Pittman, Eliasberg, Morelan . . . not deserving to be thought of in the ranks of true "collectors". Merely hacks who accepted the unwashed detritus not sought by contemporaries looking for that 'as minted' look. The media hype and hoax of these charlatans approximates the firestorm approaching Corona . . . obviously another attempt to blow a hoax by the world for some unknown reason.

At our local shows and coin club meetings . . . you can see the angst in the faces of the average collectors. Torn . . . terrorized . . . mortally afraid of disclosing any subterranean feelings. All of course going to fawn over the 14-year-old's Dansco of Silver Eagles (fully complete back to 1998!!!), and ignoring the displays of soiled, stained, and environmentally Type coins of the 18th and 19th centuries . . . but feeling something deep down. Is it an honest emotion or are they actually being affected by some 'dark side' (apologies to our World aficionados) that makes them want to see what undisturbed time has done? NAY! DO NOT acquiesce !!!! 'As minted' is clear, precise, and inviolable! It is 'as minted'. Yes . . you may decide to cave in your standards slightly . . after all, after the strike it took that run down the conveyor belt (post minting), dove off the table, landed in a ballistic bag and suffered a reeding mark. But . . . .we all have a cross to bear. This will be ours.

NO I SAY! Toning shall be known for what it is. Post mint damage that should appropriately be factored into the value of a coin that WAS (more or less) perfect upon minting and should remain that way.

In dedication, passion, honor, and forthrightness . . . we shall tonight commit one of these sacrileges of color to a jar of EZ-Est. It is 4:40pm Mountain time. At 8pm Mountain we shall return another of these monstrosities to its natural white state. I fully agree . . . PROPER use of a bit of MS70 or EZ-Est in a non-mechanical way, can pop luster incredibly (I do it to WarNicks all the time).

The clock is ticking. Let's celebrate the return of this Morgan Dollar (why would idiots say it is $60k ???) to a Mint State that will help (at least me) to sleep better tonight.

Drunner

DRUNNER · May 2, 2020 3:48PM

A current crappy pic as I prepare to break it out of its coffin and stir up my dip and rinse. No . . it has NOT been to CAC . . . I would not want to insult them or waste their time . . .

Drunner

winesteven · May 2, 2020 3:51PM

@DRUNNER - You should tell us what you really think! 😆

Hydrant · May 2, 2020 3:55PM

@ricko said:
I prefer my coins without tarnish..... Cheers, RickO

I have suspected that for a long,....long time. Thanks for finally coming "clean!" 😁

P.S. Ricko....please forgive me for the out of context edit. I just couldn't resist.

Jimnight · May 2, 2020 4:40PM

I like some toning.

jabba · May 2, 2020 5:13PM

Ok I should clarify I believe Siler in its natural state is tarnished no way around it unless it’s kept In a proper environment will start to tarnish of course examples like @DRUNNER need a little help from man Like bags and heat/humidity or maybe chemistry 😇 I personally have no issues with dipping I’ve got blast white silver I just like dirty crusty gold or silver with some tone or color it’s definitely a seat up or down situation

SeattleSlammer · May 2, 2020 5:43PM

If it’s attractive toning, of course!

MICHAELDIXON · May 2, 2020 5:47PM

Depends on the coin AND the eye appeal of the toning, I have seen many toned coins that I would not purchase.

koynekwest · May 2, 2020 5:56PM

An emphatic YES!

CoinJunkie · May 2, 2020 6:09PM

@DRUNNER , please post a shot of that Morgan post-dip so we can appreciate its natural, silvery beauty that lurks beneath...

DRUNNER · May 2, 2020 6:55PM

8 minutes until she takes the bath !!!!!!!!

Drunner

DRUNNER · May 2, 2020 6:55PM

Pic coming . . . . .

Drunner

DRUNNER · May 2, 2020 7:07PM

I got a shot of the reverse after it cleaned up . . . not wanting to bore you guys with another shot of the same, but white obverse. . . just a run-of-the-mill 80-S. So now you have both sides . . . and I have to agree with my initial assessment . . white is very beautiful. This coin . . . now as minted . . . . has the luster, minimal hits, and blast of a decent dollar.

OK . . . . . my public service is done for the day! I have returned a coin to Mint State that certainly was headed to imminent destruction.

I laid the coin back down on the slab after I was done . . . . .it is a high enough grade I didn't want to risk dropping it while I accomplished my photo-inadequacy.

Have fun . . . .and get some Run and Coke !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-) :-)

Drunner

BryceM · May 2, 2020 7:19PM

I likes some of my coins white and I likes some of them with fancy colors. I don’t really care what others think because they can collect “their way.” I do try to stay abreast of market trends and consensus opinion about what is popular.

I don’t like toned ASEs and I don’t prefer blast-white coins from the early 1800s.

bolivarshagnasty · May 2, 2020 7:27PM

Yes, I like my coins toned, blast white, red, red brown, chocolate brown, off center, clipped, broadstruck, and double struck. It’s not a yes or no subject.

1northcoin · May 2, 2020 10:17PM

@PerryHall said:
It depends on the toning. Light natural pastel toning is okay. Dark gray or black toning is not okay.

This, although genuine toning as opposed to artificial toning is okay vs not okay as well.

oldabeintx · May 3, 2020 7:00AM

For me some toning is essential on any coin earlier than, say, late 19th century. Anything else would be unimaginable. On more modern coins, light toning is fine, but I don't seek out toned examples and untoned is okay too. As one of the posts above suggests, all older untoned coins have not been "conserved". I have coins I pulled from rolls as a kid (a looong time ago) that are still as BW as when minted. And, we've all seen legit older copper that looks as red as when minted.

Outhaul · May 3, 2020 7:07AM

Not normally a toning freak, but this? Oh yeah...

Ludwig26 · May 3, 2020 7:38AM

Its according to the coin. I like my Franklins blast white. I like my Wheat cents RD with no toning but I buy every toned Morgan that I can afford. I know it does not make sense.
First post by the way. Been learning from you guys for awhile.

ElmerFusterpuck · May 3, 2020 7:46AM

If a coin has major eye appeal, toned or not, it's fair game for me.

I have a run of MS-67 Roosevelt dimes going, all are blast white. Same with the war nickels.
However, I have a showcase registry set of 20 toned Morgans. Some of my Bust and Seated halves have spectacular toning.

I don't think I'd want to send up with a collection that with blend in with the black and white portion of the movie "Pleasantville".

Eldorado9 · May 3, 2020 8:13AM

Glad to see the majority on here recognize that Toned coins are the real deal. Blast white is nice and all, but beautiful Toners are the spice of Numismatic life.

DIMEMAN · May 3, 2020 8:14AM

@winesteven said:

@jabba said:
All these 100 year old blast white silver coins ya no dipping going on there

Gentle dipping is a form of Professional Restoration if done properly. Are you suggesting that those collectors who avoid gently dipped coins should also avoid coins coming back from PCGS and NGC restoration services? For me, I’m one of the silent but LARGE MINORITY that prefers highly lustrous coins with no or very little toning, especially for my 20th century coins.

Now, how do you know if the dipping has been gentle or too harsh? For me, I use the peace of mind of having my coins with CAC stickers. The majority of my coins are lustrous white, 100% CAC!

Stay safe, and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Steve

Not all CAC coins are white and some are down right ugly!

joeykoins · May 3, 2020 10:29AM

So far, the results are overwhelming! Almost 4 to 1. Here's the thing. If the members that posted, "it depends". Would have voted, "yes" instead, than the tally would be even MORE overwhelming.
Thanks guy's for participating. My opinion, as well as, the majority here would agree, Toned coins ROCK! 🏆🌈😉

DRUNNER · May 3, 2020 1:02PM

For the most part, my enjoyment of toning comes from the statement it can make about originality. Sure, AT violates all of that, but even AT is mostly designed to make a coin seem original and older. (With some garish exceptions.) Differing types of toning attest to different conditions, environmental impact, timeframe, storage, etc. BagBurn, for example, sat in an original bag with 999 others for 80 years and the bag must have been one that did NOT get moved that much or thrown around during too many inventories. Then it sat here in a collector's home for another 20+ until he broke it (along with three others), searched it, and selected BagBurn as his. Rainbows attest to other positions in a bag . . . textile to others, etc. So much can be deciphered by the toning. Think of a Randall Hoard Large Cent. You BET I would like one of those . . .shimmering with original as-minted luster. But, it will most likely be RB or BN just due to the reactive copper and decades (centuries). Some late Canadian Commems were placed into highly reactive velvet cases, even my Dansco Jeffs are all developing a golden hue around the edges from 20 years of sitting.

Yup . . . I hate the AT stuff, but the study, and understanding of metal reaction, makes toning a lot of fun for me.

Wanna start a battle? Ask in our forum why Peace Dollars have failed to tone at the rate and intensity of Morgans.

Drunner

Walkerfan · May 3, 2020 1:55PM

I like it, if it is attractive (some level of color and not too dark), with good underlying luster.

GRANDAM · May 3, 2020 9:55PM

I like BLAST WHITE coins,,,,,,,,I like colorfully toned coins,,,,, I don't like to pay large premiums for them and I don't.

CharlotteDude · May 4, 2020 4:48AM

When it coms to gold, I'm a yes, particularly if it looks something like this...

ReadyFireAim · May 4, 2020 10:13AM

Love toning so long as I can see through it with a scope to verify it isn't tooled.
The intense color on this one only appears at a particular angle.

Our host did a great job of finding the sweet spot. (MS66+ CAC-failure)

Toned coins, yes or no?

Toned coins, yes or no?

Toned coins, yes or no? 98 votes

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