Dex, I gotta hand it to you that is one sweet buffalo! If you need a babysitter for it when you go on vacation let me know, I'll baby sitting for you!
Years ago I was in the cheese business and a Swiss company gave away these and 5 gram gold credit suisse for sales quotas. I got one of both...here is the silver one that has toned very nicely over the years. I'm thinking since the mid to late 70's I obtained these bars.
1925-P Vam #6A Polishing Lines & Doubled Rays Peace Dollar This vam consist of Rays through LLAR strongly doubled on right side as are Lar letters and lower edge in middle of eagle's right wing; And die file and polish lines all over reverse fields to remove die clash marks. this vam is a combo, 6 & 6A combined. I think this will be a new addition to vam 6 and 6A, because of the die chip on the top right wing of the eagle
Top 50 1925-P Vam #3 Doubled Rays Peace Dollar This vam consist of Rays above DOLL doubled on right side. D of DOLLAR and right wing slightly doubled on upper right side. Two top olive leaves slightly doubled on right side. I think this will be a new addition to vam 3, because of the die chip on the top right wing of the eagle
Here's a franklin that just arrived. I wasn't expecting the gold to look so intense. Would've almost looked gold plated if not for some small areas that are still slightly silver. It's a proof so it's alot more 'shimmery' in hand.
OMG Jello; Your 1811 Half Dollar is incredible! To die for! Where on earth did you discover it? I wouldn't hesitate to add that gem to my collection in the slightest! You did way good on this one!
I don't know. If we accept toning is being only the result of 100 years of contact with the cloth of a mint bag, then maybe not. We have to instead accept many different causes of the vague term we call 'toning.' That brings to, how do we measure it? Compare his to mine. Which, if either one, is 'toned' vs. merely dirty or discolored?
You can find it in Dale Friend's Registry of Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1839). His set is the #1 Finest set of all time. http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/AlltimeSet.aspx?s=6580 Lots of eye candy with this set.