Monster toned blue 1911 cent (pics + video) - what do you think? I recently picked up this raw beauty from my local coin shop. I took the pics quickly so they're a bit out of focus. Enjoy. Click the pic to enlarge. [video=youtube;msnCzL1uMak]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnCzL1uMak[/video]
Beautiful. I just love brown toned early Lincoln cents. How much did this one run you? I have a 1916 with a little brighter toning, pictures are posted below.
Because I live in Canada, there isn't a big market for US coins so I can get some nice pieces at a great price.
In my experience, monochromatic blue is a sign of the application of a base (like MS-70) to a coin with some skin. Personally, I don' t care for the coin.
Reasonable sure that the 1916- has seen either soap or MS-70. It would not surprise me at all if the 1911- has also, but I happen to like that one.
The blue coins are cool. Something different. Most coins out there have been worked in some way and just because they are slabbed doesn't mean they aren't. The ones that haven't been are usually dull and unattractive as well. With that said, I have seen this look on common P mints more than on rarer branch mints. I have also seen blue toned cents come out of hoards that have been put back for decades. So to me I would never just off hand say it was such and such chemical. I say let the market decide its worth and buy what you like. JMO
I had a jug that kept cents for 3 decades without anything added but more cents now and then. When I finally dumped out the jug, the coins were toned blue, green, red, golden, etc... So the idea that something must be intentionally added to coin for it to tone is a bit much.
I don't believe the coin has been worked on with any chemicals. The striking blue color is seen under a certain angle, and on other angles it has even brown toning with bits of blue, and purple. The luster of the coin is amazing and uninterrupted; I would say it rivals that of some red untoned examples. The toning also looks very natural. It's hard to see in the picture, but the coin has red color in the devices and surrounding Lincoln. The toning pattern is the same in some bn or rb cents i have. Just instead of brown or burgundy toning, it's blue!
I will agree and disagree with you here. I too have done the same with my cents however they have not turned out as blue/red as the OP's. As RLM and another has stated this coin has been dipped YET it is still quite an attractive coin!