Washing Machine Toning????

Jdurg · June 25, 2005 12:10PM

I just had to post this coin as it wound up looking pretty neat after being inadvertently washed. I guess I had some pocket change in my jeans when I washed them this past weekend, and when I went to take my clothes out of the washer, I noticed that there were some coins in there. My attention was immediately drawn to the penny as it's date was 1980 which is the year in which I was born. When I took it out of the bottom of the washer, however, I noticed that it had a wide range of colors on it. I honestly don't know if the colors were there before the washing, but I kind of doubt that they were. I don't know if I should classify this as AT or NT as it wasn't done on purpose and happened by sheer accident.

MrSpud · June 25, 2005 12:13PM

Ummm....I guess it is NT then, however it still would get a BB cause it is cleaned

lordmarcovan · June 25, 2005 12:16PM

Tell me- did you discover the cent after the clothes went through the dryer, too, or just the washer?

I have inadvertently created similar "washing machine toning", but in my case I suspect it was actually "dryer" toning, from the heat of the dryer rather than anything in the washer. (Of course, there IS a lot of sulfur in our water down here, so maybe both contributed!)

Jdurg · June 25, 2005 12:18PM

I picked the coin out of the empty washer while I was putting the clothes in the dryer, so no dryer toning there.

JRocco · June 25, 2005 12:40PM

If it took less than 50 years to tone, its AT--------or so I have been told.

LindeDad · June 25, 2005 1:30PM

If that fifty years is a rule then there are a whole lot of AT Silver Eagles out there. Come to think about it there are a whole lot of Kennedy, Washiongton's, Roosevelts and what ever.

morgannut2 · June 25, 2005 5:35PM

What brand of soap/detergent do you use???? That is most unusual--

RSundermier · June 25, 2005 7:14PM

Anything with clorine will do the trick - just don't use it straight.

I learned that after going in a clorine room while training in the military,
without taking everything out of my pockets first ... yes - I had a mask on ....

Good luck !!

MAD4MORGANS · June 25, 2005 9:12PM

What kind of detergent do you (your wife) use?? I wonder how much that "toned" coin would fetch on eBay??

stev32k · June 25, 2005 11:25PM

That's interesting. I've also found pennies in the washer, but they were not toned just shined up pretty good. Must be a different soap.

CarlWohlforth · June 26, 2005 1:00AM

I had a more valuable copper coin (a merchants token) go through the washer. When it came out I soaked it in olive oil and it didn't tone.

Jdurg · June 26, 2005 3:32AM

Nothing special. Just a chlorine free capful of Tide. The coloring is really neat looking though.

coinfreak499 · June 26, 2005 3:37AM

<< <i>If it took less than 50 years to tone, its AT--------or so I have been told. >>

That is not true IMO

Shamika · June 26, 2005 4:15AM

Did you intend to wash the coin?

If so, AT!

JRocco · June 26, 2005 4:22AM

<< <i>Did you intend to wash the coin?

If so, AT! >>

In fact, if you have ever known anyone who has ever washed anything with the intent of changing its color, anyone or anything, then it is AT and you are guilty. So for your own sake- DO NOT ever talk to anyone who uses a washing machine again. In fact, next time you pass a SEARS that might have some washing machines for sale, make your sign of the cross.

Jdurg · June 26, 2005 8:50AM

Lol. I had no intention of washing the coin, but now that I know what happens I may accidentally wash the two dollars worth of pennies sitting on my dresser.

In reality, I may end up washing another just to see if the toning happens again. In person, the coloring is really neat looking. I probably should try and sell it on E-Bay as I have a few other silver dimes and coins that are 'spares' and would be better off in a new home. However, I'm afraid of how I should list it as I've seen many people hunted down and murdered by this here forum when they put toned coins up on E-Bay.

MAD4MORGANS · June 26, 2005 9:09AM

<< <i>I probably should try and sell it on E-Bay >>

<< <i>However, I'm afraid of how I should list it as I've seen many people hunted down and murdered by this here forum when they put toned coins up on E-Bay. >>

UH OH!!

sinin1 · June 26, 2005 10:15AM

I have noticed on some of my dimes and quarters that went through the wash (not dryer)
that they seemed to have picked up luster

I need to do some trials and see - I have not gotten that neat color with the pennies

I wonder if type of detergent and quality / hardness of water have different results

I need to do more practice before I do any coins worth more than face

Jdurg · June 26, 2005 12:09PM

The odd thing is, when looking at it head on you can't see any color. It just looks like an old, brown pre-1982 penny. It's when the light strikes it at an angle that all of the coloring shows up. So that makes me think that the layer of oxidation on it is very, very thin.

Washing Machine Toning????

Comments

Leave a Comment