What causes Matte Proof Lincolns to tone the way they do?

joefro · July 16, 2007 6:50AM

I absolutely love the look of a nicely toned MPL. But I was wondering... what causes these coins to tone so dramatically? Were they made from a different composition than the standard wheat cent? I looked in my Red Book but there is no distinction made for the MPL composition. I'm thinking they have to be made of something different and that it's not just the matte surface of the coin is more susceptible to oxidation.

CarlWohlforth · July 16, 2007 6:54AM

Matte proof Lincolns were stored in tissue paper which imparted a nice toning. Some of the nice blue ones apparently got that way by an application of Blue Ribbon.

robec · July 16, 2007 7:04AM

<< <i>Matte proof Lincolns were stored in tissue paper which imparted a nice toning. Some of the nice blue ones apparently got that way by an application of Blue Ribbon. >>

You mean mine's not natural?

joefro · July 16, 2007 7:05AM

So if a normal wheat had been stored in tissue all this time it would have the same look? Only the storage conditions make the proofs look the way they do?

RedneckHB · July 16, 2007 7:44AM

The tissue paper in which these coins were issued/stored caused the toning. They can be found in a range of colors from brown to green to blue to violet. Just like with the toned proof IHC's, not all blue or violet coins are the result of the intentional actions of a greedy dealer or mis-informed collector. IMO, there is not a more beautiful coin than a gem matte proof Lincoln, toned or otherwise. Just check out my registry set.

drwstr123 · July 16, 2007 7:50AM

What cohodk said, me too.

joefro · July 16, 2007 12:59PM

Oh I know cohodk, I have admired your collection for a long time now. Everytime I see you selling coins on the BST I check them out even though I know I cant afford them............ yet

curly · July 16, 2007 1:33PM

What cohodk said.

GrumpyEd · July 16, 2007 2:04PM

I think it also has to do with the matte surface, since it has a fine texture to it there's more surface exposed to be toned and it's not completely flat so refraction is not the same as with toning on a totaly flat surface. Add that to the tissue they came with and it causes some very nice colors and toning.

To sum it up they look GREAT!

refraction

What causes Matte Proof Lincolns to tone the way they do?

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