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1946 MS68 Half Dollar

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  • RexfordRexford Posts: 1,236 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What we refer to as “luster”, meaning the strength and pattern of the reflectivity, remains the same, because the underlying flow lines remain the same. It just reflects in a different color. The latter does not fall under the definition of luster.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Rexford said:

    That’s more verbal gymnastics and a misinterpretation of what’s actually occurring to the surface.

    No verbal gymnastics. A newly struck coin will have a level of reflectivity or luster (there may be technical differences between the two words but not really germane to this discussion). Toning is a result of a chemical change that occurs on the surface of a coin that cause a change in the way the surface metal reflects light (thin film interference). This "interference" ultimately results in the sometimes very vibrant colors we see on some toned coins. Unfortunately if this chemical process is allowed to continue you can end up with very dark toning and a dramatic loss of reflectivity.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 14,119 ✭✭✭✭✭

    With the recent back and forth regarding “(verbal) gymnastics”, I’m starting to think this thread might belong on the sports forum. Or better yet, is their an Olympics forum.😉

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • RexfordRexford Posts: 1,236 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    No verbal gymnastics. A newly struck coin will have a level of reflectivity or luster (there may be technical differences between the two words but not really germane to this discussion). Toning is a result of a chemical change that occurs on the surface of a coin that cause a change in the way the surface metal reflects light (thin film interference). This "interference" ultimately results in the sometimes very vibrant colors we see on some toned coins. Unfortunately if this chemical process is allowed to continue you can end up with very dark toning and a dramatic loss of reflectivity.

    It is precisely germane to the discussion, because the meaning you are applying to “luster” is not the meaning applied to it by the numismatic community. Luster refers specifically to the strength and pattern of reflectivity. “A change” to the way the surface metal reflects light does not affect luster if it does not affect the strength or pattern of the reflectivity, and just the color of it. Yes, very dark and heavy (“terminal”) toning can cause the underlying luster to become obscured from sheer thickness of the layer of tone, but coins displaying terminal toning don’t appear in top grades for a reason.

  • RubiconRubicon Posts: 201 ✭✭✭

    @MFeld said:

    It is most certainly not safe or correct to say that “every white coin has been dipped at one time”.

    Okay wouldn’t you say most especially pre 1935 before coins became commonly saved in rolls

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2, 2021 3:52PM

    @Rexford said:

    It is precisely germane to the discussion, because the meaning you are applying to “luster” is not the meaning applied to it by the numismatic community. Luster refers specifically to the strength and pattern of reflectivity. “A change” to the way the surface metal reflects light does not affect luster if it does not affect the strength or pattern of the reflectivity, and just the color of it. Yes, very dark and heavy (“terminal”) toning can cause the underlying luster to become obscured from sheer thickness of the layer of tone, but coins displaying terminal toning don’t appear in top grades for a reason.

    Right! The toning layers of silver compounds, mostly silver sulfide and related oxides with other environmental elements, but remember copper too.. anyway these cause the thin-film interference phenomenon, essentially altering the light wavelengths we see, creating prism effects that is generally viewed as colors, which are sometimes interpreted as pretty.

    When very attractive, this increases the market grade of the coin, elevating it above the technical grade. That's why I asserted earlier, if someone dips this coin, it becomes a rather ordinary 67 with a big tic on the sun.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2, 2021 4:08PM

    @Rexford said:

    It is precisely germane to the discussion, because the meaning you are applying to “luster” is not the meaning applied to it by the numismatic community. Luster refers specifically to the strength and pattern of reflectivity. “A change” to the way the surface metal reflects light does not affect luster if it does not affect the strength or pattern of the reflectivity, and just the color of it. Yes, very dark and heavy (“terminal”) toning can cause the underlying luster to become obscured from sheer thickness of the layer of tone, but coins displaying terminal toning don’t appear in top grades for a reason.

    Wrong. The thin film "interference" is interfering with the way light is reflected off the coin. This is the reason you're seeing different colors. Toning does change the strength and pattern of reflectivity of light coming off the coin. If it didn't you would notice no difference in the way light is reflected.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • RexfordRexford Posts: 1,236 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    Wrong. The thin film "interference" is interfering with the way light is reflected off the coin. This is the reason you're seeing different colors. Toning does change the strength and pattern of reflectivity of light coming off the coin. If it didn't you would notice no difference in the way light is reflected.

    🤦‍♂️ I give up

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Rexford said:

    🤦‍♂️ I give up

    @MasonG said:

    No worries- you fought the good fight.

    Feels good to give up, doesn't it?

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Rexford said:

    🤦‍♂️ I give up

    Prudent move because your numismatic torturing of words doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The reason you see colors when a coin has toned is precisely because the light being reflected has been impacted by the the layer of silver sulfide that has developed. It's called thin film "interference" for a reason.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • bestdaybestday Posts: 4,239 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2, 2021 4:58PM

    Nonsense grading on Walker series ..Have The Walker series in Prf 67..now comes 68s . are 69s next?..finally next 70s?

  • 10000lakes10000lakes Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭

    @bestday said:
    Nonsense grading on Walker series ..Have The Walker series in Prf 67..now comes 68s . are 69s next?..finally next 70s?

    I can hardly wait for the argument over the difference between a 97 vs 98, when we have a 100 point system. :#

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    Prudent move because your numismatic torturing of words doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The reason you see colors when a coin has toned is precisely because the light being reflected has been impacted by the the layer of silver sulfide that has developed. It's called thin film "interference" for a reason.

    Not because it "interferes" with light. In fact, thin film interference can enhance reflectivity. It is how dielectric mirrors work.

    This is yet another silly pedantic argument that has nothing to do with anything.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @10000lakes said:

    I can hardly wait for the argument over the difference between a 97 vs 98, when we have a 100 point system. :#

    Don't leave out the 97+

  • RexfordRexford Posts: 1,236 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    Prudent move because your numismatic torturing of words doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The reason you see colors when a coin has toned is precisely because the light being reflected has been impacted by the the layer of silver sulfide that has developed. It's called thin film "interference" for a reason.

    I’ve already explained why that is irrelevant to luster in my last two posts. I give up because it’s pointless to continue when I’ve already tried to break this down into the simplest terms possible and it just doesn’t seem to be computing on the other end. There isn’t any point to continuing in a discussion like this when the information one offers seems to be selectively ignored in favor of faulty preconceived notions. Others have abandoned their efforts for the same reason. It’s just a waste of time.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Rexford said:

    I’ve already explained why that is irrelevant to luster in my last two posts. I give up because it’s pointless to continue when I’ve already tried to break this down into the simplest terms possible and it just doesn’t seem to be computing on the other end. There isn’t any point to continuing in a discussion like this when the information one offers seems to be selectively ignored in favor of faulty preconceived notions. Others have abandoned their efforts for the same reason. It’s just a waste of time.

    Give up because you are dead wrong. Toning disrupts the reflectivity of a coin. This isn't rocket science. That disruption is the altering the original luster of the coin. A coin doesn't go from brightly reflective with no color to radiating greens, purples, yellows and blues unless you have interfered with the reflectivity, the luster, of the coin. The waste of time is your insisting that toning can be consider the fully original luster of a coin. That fact isn't alter by you say "this is how it is understood in numismatics". That's ludicrous.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • HigashiyamaHigashiyama Posts: 2,221 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Here is a quote from my copy of the PCGS grading book, regarding MS 68:

    LUSTER: The luster will be full (or virtually so) and "glowing". Any luster breaks will be extremely minor and usually restricted to the high points. Slight unevenness in toning is acceptable, as long as it is still attractive.

    So ... what exactly is this discussion all about?

    Higashiyama
  • bestdaybestday Posts: 4,239 ✭✭✭✭

    Laura has mentioned several times in her descriptions of auction coins that have a small tick.... holding the coin back from gem grade ..now a tick = bump up to MS68 ?

  • MasonGMasonG Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Higashiyama said:
    So ... what exactly is this discussion all about?

    Somebody is confused because PCGS doesn't grade coins based on somebody's personal interpretation of ANA grading standards.

    I know- silly, right?

  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,162 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Don’t bring ‘she who will not be mentioned’ into this discussion. Have you no compassion, sir?

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Higashiyama said:
    Here is a quote from my copy of the PCGS grading book, regarding MS 68:

    LUSTER: The luster will be full (or virtually so) and "glowing". Any luster breaks will be extremely minor and usually restricted to the high points. Slight unevenness in toning is acceptable, as long as it is still attractive.

    So ... what exactly is this discussion all about?

    Someone believes that any toning is considered a decrease in luster and limits the coin to a 65.

  • bestdaybestday Posts: 4,239 ✭✭✭✭

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Don’t bring ‘she who will not be mentioned’ into this discussion. Have you no compassion, sir?

    She does honest descriptions of coins offered for auction...would she call this walker a 67?

  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,162 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @bestday said:

    She does honest descriptions of coins offered for auction...would she call this walker a 67?

    Hell, no. Not in my opinion

  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,169 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 3, 2021 6:39AM

    @bestday said:
    She does honest descriptions of coins offered for auction...would she call this walker a 67?

    No. She'd probably declare it 1000% perfect with no flaws under her neutron microscope with blinding luster beaming at all angles. She might also throw in the peacock in heat toning language she routinely uses for good measure. And of course she'd expect "spirited bidding." Opportunity knocks loudly.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Higashiyama said:
    Here is a quote from my copy of the PCGS grading book, regarding MS 68:

    LUSTER: The luster will be full (or virtually so) and "glowing". Any luster breaks will be extremely minor and usually restricted to the high points. Slight unevenness in toning is acceptable, as long as it is still attractive.

    So ... what exactly is this discussion all about?

    The discussion is whether a toned coin can be said to have "fully original luster". My position is it cannot. The phrase in the PCGS standard the luster will be full (or virtually so) is verbal gymnastics. "Virtually so"??? What does that even mean. Toning alters (diminishes) the luster of a coin. The change may be pretty but the luster has been altered by the chemical change that has occurred on the coin's surface. You can try to torture the language or claim this is a special numismatic nuisance to the words but the bottom line is the toning represents a chemical change in the surface of the coin and that change has altered the coins appearance.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @bestday said:
    Laura has mentioned several times in her descriptions of auction coins that have a small tick.... holding the coin back from gem grade ..now a tick = bump up to MS68 ?

    One tick too many will hold it back. I doubt she ever said that a single tick knocked a coin down to 64 in the absence of other marks.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    One tick too many will hold it back. I doubt she ever said that a single tick knocked a coin down to 64 in the absence of other marks.

    Depends on where the tick is located. A tick hidden in some detail isn't going to detract as much as a tick in a prime focal area.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • MasonGMasonG Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What about toning hidden in some detail vs. toning in a prime focal area?

  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,169 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    What about toning hidden in some detail vs. toning in a prime focal area?

    Am I buying or selling? ;)

  • MasonGMasonG Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Define "buying" and "selling".

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    Define "buying" and "selling".

    Renting?

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    What about toning hidden in some detail vs. toning in a prime focal area?

    I know the words begin with the same letter but it's a "tick" hidden in some detail not "toning". It's late but try to focus.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • MasonGMasonG Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    No sense of humor. Check!

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,357 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    No sense of humor. Check!

    That surprises you?

  • MasonGMasonG Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    That surprises you?

    No. It was pretty much expected.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    No sense of humor. Check!

    My sense of humor is just fine. Was that suppose to be funny? Did you borrow that line from Bill Cosby?

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Higashiyama said:
    Here is a quote from my copy of the PCGS grading book, regarding MS 68:

    LUSTER: The luster will be full (or virtually so) and "glowing". Any luster breaks will be extremely minor and usually restricted to the high points. Slight unevenness in toning is acceptable, as long as it is still attractive.

    So ... what exactly is this discussion all about?

    Someone has dug their heels in so deep that they can't get out or won't.

    m

    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • FranklinHalfAddictFranklinHalfAddict Posts: 682 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    Really? There is a good size mark/graze in the middle of the sun that is very easy to see.

    Thought the same thing. Kind of hard to miss that.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @FranklinHalfAddict said:

    Thought the same thing. Kind of hard to miss that.

    Like the signature photo ;). I just started working on a set. Hopefully I can find some as nice.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • tcollectstcollects Posts: 1,120 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @cameonut2011 said:

    No. She'd probably declare it 1000% perfect with no flaws under her neutron microscope with blinding luster beaming at all angles. She might also throw in the peacock in heat toning language she routinely uses for good measure. And of course she'd expect "spirited bidding."

    coin's all their udder a strong glass oppertunity nocks loud

  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,169 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @FranklinHalfAddict said:

    Thought the same thing. Kind of hard to miss that.

    But it stickered.

  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 9,129 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    The discussion is whether a toned coin can be said to have "fully original luster". My position is it cannot. The phrase in the PCGS standard the luster will be full (or virtually so) is verbal gymnastics. "Virtually so"??? What does that even mean. Toning alters (diminishes) the luster of a coin. The change may be pretty but the luster has been altered by the chemical change that has occurred on the coin's surface. You can try to torture the language or claim this is a special numismatic nuisance to the words but the bottom line is the toning represents a chemical change in the surface of the coin and that change has altered the coins appearance.

    Well just maybe, even with the chemically altered toned surfaces enough luster is still present to be considered fully original surfaces.
    Hence the 68 minus a plus.

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,307 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CoinscratchFever said:

    Well just maybe, even with the chemically altered toned surfaces enough luster is still present to be considered fully original surfaces.
    Hence the 68 minus a plus.

    If you have to “consider” than it’s not. In this case a significant portion of the coin’s surface has toning. Nothing really to consider. This is a case where the words “fully original luster” have lost their literal meaning. That’s blue pill life in the world of numismatics.

    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,169 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The Trueviews are in. I like the color better. It looks like a luster bomb. The tick on the sun is definitely not an artifact, and there are other ticks over Miss Liberty.

  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 9,129 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    If you have to “consider” than it’s not. In this case a significant portion of the coin’s surface has toning. Nothing really to consider. This is a case where the words “fully original luster” have lost their literal meaning. That’s blue pill life in the world of numismatics.

    I wonder how much your stance would change had this been your coin?
    Not that it really matters but it might be comical to hear the change in tone.
    Or maybe not! Either way I wouldn’t be complaining if it were mine :)

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 14,119 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pmh1nic said:

    If you have to “consider” than it’s not. In this case a significant portion of the coin’s surface has toning. Nothing really to consider. This is a case where the words “fully original luster” have lost their literal meaning. That’s blue pill life in the world of numismatics.

    Perhaps there is something to consider. If nearly everyone other than you interprets the words “fully original luster” a certain/different way, maybe, just maybe, you shouldn’t be so stuck on their “literal meaning”.
    Other than to be able to say repeatedly that everyone else is wrong, twisting words, etc., where else does your literal interpretation get you?

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

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