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Another question on lacquered coins

LongacreLongacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
I was reading an article about lacquered coins. Supposedly, a thin coat of lacquer does not cause harm to the coin's surface (lacquering coins seems to have been a common occurance in the past). The article also stated that the lacquer could be removed very easily. However, after removing the lacquer, the metal of the coin gets "activated" and as a result it tones very quickly (within two weeks). I know that some people (not among us) artifically tone coins. Is anyone aware of people who use this lacquer method, which I suppose would create "natural toning" very quickly once the lacquer is removed? Would this be considered "natural toning"? Comments?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)

Comments

  • I'm a little confused, you are saying that someone will put lacquer on a coin, only to remove it so that it'll tone faster???

    I don't think they mean that once the lacquer is removed it'll tone rainbow colors overnight. I think the author was trying to say that the surface of the coin will quickly start to oxidize naturally once exposed to the atmosphere. It'll still take the same amount of time for the coin to toned as a non-toned coin.

    Dipping a coin while also have the same effect since you are basically stripping the coin's surface of any protective patina it has developed in XX years. Toning occurs much more colorfully on a fresh palate than on a coin thats been allowed to develop a "skin" over time.

    Hope that helps.

    image
    TPN
  • LanLordLanLord Posts: 11,723 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was in a coin store a couple weeks ago and overheard some old timer talking about lacquered large cents. He had mentioned that the lacquer was impossible to remove from the really tight areas of the coins design ( like the opening in a 0 or an o or d).

    It was really interesting hearing him talk, cuz it sounded like he literally had a centruy worth of knowledge under his belt.

  • Spiffy469Spiffy469 Posts: 661 ✭✭
    Interesting idea...

    My Pocket piece is actually a Morgan that has a layer or two of lacquer on it. The coin's appearance hasn't changed after 3 years of being in my pocket. Maybe one of these days I will remove the lacquer and see if it decides to tone or anything. I mainly keep it as a conversation starter and such.

    jeff
    I collect bits and pieces of everything
    or should I say I ACCUMULATE!
    I also dabble with the darkside image

    Ive recently gotten more into currency, especially modern star notes

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