Retoned Copper

sumnom · February 25, 2011 1:22PM

What are the signs that a large cent has been retoned? There are times when I can tell fairly quickly but for the most part I don't know. Can anyone help, maybe with some pics?

kurtdog · February 26, 2011 12:35AM

Don't have any pics for you but I will say that when I think of that term I think of it in connection with "cleaned." So, I just look for signs of cleaning.

MikeInFL · February 26, 2011 8:23AM

<< What are the signs that a large cent has been retoned? There are times when I can tell fairly quickly but for the most part I don't know. Can anyone help, maybe with some pics? >>

There is no easy answer to your questions.

The first thing I look for is an even coloration. Copper rarely, if ever, tones evenly brown. Mint state coins tend to tone unevenly to some extent, and coins with wear on them also tone differently in these areas. When you see a very "smooth" brown color, be wary.

The next think I look for is signs of removed surface damage. Light corrosion and the pitting it leaves behind is often a sign that something has been done to the coin, and often this work is hidden by a recoloring.

Do a search of Heritage archives for AT or other problem copper for pics of lots of examples.

You might also buy a bottle of Deller's Darkener and experiment on some old copper Lincoln's -- there is no better teacher than first hand experience, IMO.

If you have a particular coin in mind, post it or PM me and I'll share my thoughts, FWIW.

Hope this helps.

MikeInFL · February 26, 2011 8:29AM

Natural Brown:Recolored Brown

sumnom · February 26, 2011 10:56AM

Thank you! These are very helpful images. I confess that the retoned pieces do look nice

I am beginning to think many of my pieces are retoned. I will have to look over everything again.

PLE · February 26, 2011 12:06PM

Is there a way to reverse Deller's? To remove the artificial toning?

MikeInFL · February 27, 2011 12:27AM

<< Thank you! These are very helpful images. I confess that the retoned pieces do look nice

I am beginning to think many of my pieces are retoned. I will have to look over everything again. >>

You are welcome.

The facts of the copper matter (IMO) are that the majority of copper has been worked, so it would not surprise me in the least to find out you owned some retoned examples.

MikeInFL · February 27, 2011 12:28AM

<< Is there a way to reverse Deller's? To remove the artificial toning? >>

Yes, you can dip the coin. It will be the bright pink typical of dipped copper and will require some type of retoning to look natural again. One way to do this is to keep the piece as a pocket piece (and handle it frequently). That will do a pretty good job, but will induce some additional wear on the coin. It will not change the doctored nature of the coin, but it will look better if done correctly.

Sonorandesertrat · February 27, 2011 2:28AM

Very nice examples. The critical observation is coloration that looks too even (especially if the obverse and reverse have the same color and look).
An even greater caution should apply to coppers that are full red, with a perfectly even look and no carbon spots (once upon a time, I learned an expensive lesson regarding this).

PerryHall · February 27, 2011 2:32AM

<< Is there a way to reverse Deller's? To remove the artificial toning? >>

Yup. It's called dipping.

Edscoin · February 27, 2011 3:31AM

<< 

<< Is there a way to reverse Deller's? To remove the artificial toning? >>

Yup. It's called dipping. >>

And then you have a really ugly copper coin!

sumnom · March 2, 2011 2:23AM

What to the EAC folks think about retoned copper? Are there cases where it is acceptable?

Retoned Copper

Comments

Leave a Comment