Thread: Coins Toned

Why are some coins appear to be toned in with a rainbow like color, what causes this to happen, is it natural or artificial effect.

Originally Posted by kovu

Why are some coins appear to be toned in with a rainbow like color, what causes this to happen, is it natural or artificial effect.

Both, the trick is being to tell the difference. Google books: Coin Chemistry

Originally Posted by BadThad

Both, the trick is being to tell the difference. Google books: Coin Chemistry

Don't take this the wrong way but that response deserves a COME ON MAN. Coin Chemistry is an advanced text on the subject written by a guy whose opinion of toning is tantamount to the lunatic fringe of the numismatic community. I really feel as if a much simpler response is appropriate to the OP's question.

In a nutshell, rainbow toning is the result of oxidation and a phenomenon called the thin film interface. One of the very best explanations of toning can be found on this very forum written by Jason (physicsfan314). Here is the link:

What You Need to Know About: The Science of Toning

BTW, rainbow toning can be both natural or artificial.

Oxidation causes toning read the link Lehigh gave . It's a touchy subject . W.W. White who wrote Coin Chemistry believes all toning is damage and should be erradicated , guess he just can't appreciate a well toned coin and how rare a rainbow toned coin really is . He'd dip this coin , one of my favorites .

rzage

Originally Posted by rzage

Oxidation causes toning read the link Lehigh gave . It's a touchy subject . W.W. White who wrote Coin Chemistry believes all toning is damage and should be erradicated , guess he just can't appreciate a well toned coin and how rare a rainbow toned coin really is.
rzage

If I ever get the opportunity to meet Weimar White, there is only one question I would like to ask him.

"Excuse Mr. White, I purchased your book Coin Chemistry, CAN I GET A REFUND?"

Anyone get the since the Lehigh96 doesn't like coin/tone doctors? I feel you! In the wrong hands like in the other thread it is used to capitalize on the vanity of toned coins to turn a huge profit. In the right hands it can help detect the work of those (what I call armatures!) destroying coins in the name of profit!

BTW: The book is nothing more than a collection of articles! So it's not really a book in the sense of having to work at writing it!

Toning is certainly a subjective topic, and for me it depends on the coin. To answer the original question; Sulfur AND Both.

Originally Posted by Lehigh96

If I ever get the opportunity to meet Weimar White, there is only one question I would like to ask him.

"Excuse Mr. White, I purchased your book Coin Chemistry, CAN I GET A REFUND?"

I'm with you on that one , plus I don't have a degree in chemistry to understand half of it . LOL

REAL OR FAKE??? We know what does it, now it's all about how?
Anyone trained can point it out from a mile away, but did you notice how I used a Dansco to add a little legitimacy to the coin? You just have to be careful with tone coins that demand a premium!

Originally Posted by ronterry

REAL OR FAKE??? We know what does it, now it's all about how?
Anyone trained can point it out from a mile away, ......

Sometimes, but not always.

True that Kennedy wasn't to obvious - but thats the point
I should start a Real or Fake poll similar to the Grading polls LOL...

Wow, thanks for all of the replies that you made, thanks for the info, I dont think I will buy any anytime soon. Too expensive and the risk is higher than I want.